The Betrayal of Trust

By Evans Oniha

The institution of marriage has suffered a significant setback due to divorce that continually erodes its foundation. Statistics show that 42-45% of first marriages, 60% of second marriages, and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. It is not the purpose of this book to discuss the factors that rift families apart. However, it digests the love story of two married couples whose flawless beginning drips like a honeycomb that hits the rock in the long run. Therefore, the betrayal of trust is a story of love, hope, betrayal, and restoration.
 Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, Catherine repeatedly demonstrated that poverty could not quench true love. She infused her parents’ wealth into her family business, making Ambrose, her poor husband, one of the wealthiest men of all time. But she was repaid with ingratitude when barrenness began to rock the foundation of their marriage. Being sneaky, he decided to father a child out of wedlock after over two decades of failed infertility treatment. The result of his infidelity caused a severe blow to Catherine’s wellbeing. She found herself in a world of illicit drug abuse that nearly took her life. Her housemaid, who later became her spiritual mentor, never abandoned her. Through her, she came to the knowledge of the living God. The God she claimed to be the God of the brokenhearted that never disappoints. Regardless of this assurance, she could not swallow her unbearable devastating pain.
In the process of time, she let go of her bitterness and moved on. Through providence, she met Steve, a wretched homeless drug recovering addict, in a drug rehabilitation facility where they were both treated. Their journey together led to the miraculous birth of her only son at an age many considered impossible for a woman to conceive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BooxAi
• Release date: Dec 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9789655780543

Book preview

1

Catherine was married to Ambrose Smith for thirty years. After years of fruitless marriage, the relationship that started as sweet as honey began to dwindle apart. She was a formidable woman who cared so much for her family. She was raised in a family that believed in traditional family ethics, where the man is the head of the family. As a teen, she had hoped to marry a man that understood what it takes to build a family the way she observed it from her parents.

Jacob and Stephanie Jackson were the proud parents of Catherine. They were successful business magnates. Besides the business framework that solidified the family, the Jacksons were a family that believed charity begins at home. Jacob loved, cherished, and protected his wife beyond anything else. He was the family man, and he took that responsibility above board. He reasoned with his wife and saw her as the nourisher of the family. The bond that existed between them was unbreakable. Thus, the family was enveloped in an atmosphere of love, respect, dignity, and shared responsibility.

Growing up with her parents was the most pleasurable experience of her life. She never saw them fight or engage in unresolved disputes. What was clear to her was their ability to resolve their differences. They plan and strategize together for their family’s interests. The aroma of love was constantly flowing between them. Catherine saw this as a way of life and was eager to emulate what she learned from her parents and take it to the outside world.

Even though they were wealthy, they never used their wealth to make their child lose focus in life. Although they could take vacations wherever they liked, education was paramount in the family. Jacob asserts that money could fly away like the birds of the air, and properties and businesses can be hijacked and taken by those in authority if something goes wrong. Still, your education and knowledge remain with you. So that, if things go wrong, you can always fall on your knowledge and abilities for more open doors.

Thus, she was raised to be able to stand on her feet. This notwithstanding, her parents knew she would not live under their umbrella forever. They allowed her to socialize with her peers. As a teenager, when her friends were dating, she chose not to be sexually active until she would be ready. This was the philosophy she upheld until she met Ambrose. Even so, nothing happened between them until they tied the knot.

Ambrose was not from a wealthy family. He was born poor and raised poor in the housing project of Queens, New York. He struggled to make ends meet right from his school days. What was unique about him was his academic alacrity and athletic prowess. He aimed to acquire a college education that no one had achieved in his family. Through providence and personal struggles, he was awarded a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Chicago, where he badged his degree as a software engineer.

He was tall and handsome. His enhanced physique from athletic abilities gave him the body definition any woman would crave. Being an athlete, he was famous in college. He met Catherine during their commencement ceremony. They soon began to talk and get to know each other. Their friendship soon advanced, and they decided to take it to another level. Regardless of his social-economic status, she loved him.

When he proposed to marry her, she took the bold step of introducing him to her parents. Knowing he was poor, they feared that they would think he loved her because of money. However, the introduction went well, and they received the family's blessings. Throughout their courtship, he never disrespected her. Sexual intimacy was reserved for the wedding night to be consummated. Without any doubt, Catherine was convinced beyond measure that she had found the desires of her heart.

They decided to marry to start their own family. The Jacksons single-handedly sponsored the wedding event. It went beyond the expectations of Ambrose and his family. He considered himself fortunate to be a son-in-law of the Jackson family.

They relocated to New York because she had heard so much about the city. She knew she would be far from her parents, but she was not bothered by her decision. Although her family had expressed reservations about New York life, they supported her move in the end. She was excited, liked the city, and soon blended into their everyday lifestyle.

They took an extravagant trip to Monaco for their honeymoon. The things Ambrose often heard that sounded like fairytales began to manifest in his own eyes. Being a virtuous wife, she made her husband a man to be reckoned with. She injected her parents’ wealth into their marriage, and Ambrose, a well-talented man, managed the resources so well that they became one of the wealthiest families in New York.

Though they were blessed beyond measure and could take trips anywhere in the world, the issue of childlessness was constantly a concern for the family. They were bent on using their resources to find a lasting solution to resolve their problem. Therefore, they consulted the best-known experts in the field in the US and abroad. The bad news from her physicians was that she had multiple gynecological problems interfering with her ability to ovulate. Thus, her chances of being a mother were on the slim side. The good news was that Ambrose’s sperm count and other medical tests were within the normal range. Although each of the successive physicians gave them some hope, it was like hoping against hope, for nothing was promised to correct the underlying infertility problem. However, they believed a miracle was on their side, and their heart’s desires might be fulfilled someday.

Ambrose never hid his true feelings for the woman he loved. He was transparent and down to earth to make her the best thing in his life. They had made it a habit to share their dinner table from the day of their marriage. Regardless of business engagement, he was always home at the end of the day to honor their vows except in a few cases wherefore he would call for a possible delay. On the other hand, Catherine was there for the man she loved. Her wish was always to be a mother to the children they both desperately needed to fortify the joy in their marriage.

In the process of time, things began to take a divergent turn. He realized they were both getting old, and the prospect of fulfilling their dream of parenthood was becoming only an illusion. Even though he still loves her, he begins to second-guess their relationship. Then she began noticing some unusual behavioral manifestations from her husband. He would go to work and come home late at night, a behavior that was not consistent with him since they had been together. She was concerned and attempted to know his problem, but she was surprised when he alleged he was overburdened with sorrow.

Sorrow! Why are you sorrowful? she asked in dismay.

I don’t mean to be rude! Can this discussion be postponed until I’m ready to talk about it?

She left him when he consistently refused to engage in a meaningful conversation. She wondered what the cause of his sorrows might be that he refused to talk about. A stream of thoughts began to run through her mind. But there was nothing absolute she could pinpoint except her barrenness.

And she was right! Ambrose was deeply wounded internally. He was the type that believed children were the product of sustaining a functional family unit. He loved children and often displayed these attributes through his constant care and financial contributions to help the orphans. But he desperately wanted to have his biological child that would carry his name and legacy. He saw the common bond that existed between his friends and their children. He cherished them going to the movies, beach, parks, and other entertainment centers on weekends and holidays. Though he could go to these places with his wife, he believed there was a place and time for a wife and children.

He was now 55 years old. Catherine had earlier suggested the possibility of adoption, which he strongly opposed. He argued that to have a child of his own would be nothing anyone could deprive him of. Despite his unwillingness to express the intents of his mind, she remained committed and placed all she got to offer on the table for the sake of the relationship she greatly treasured and invested in.

Catherine got the complete package for what made a woman a woman. She has inward and outward beauty dispositions, well-educated and fearlessly affluent, a type of woman any man could pray to have for a wife. But the thorn in her flesh had caused her a problem she didn’t know how to handle. Nevertheless, Ambrose was becoming double-minded. He has decided to father a child elsewhere since his wife could not fulfill that role. He was bent on calling a spade a spade, even if it meant breaking the sanctity of his marriage vows and obligations.

A young lady had a crush on him over the years. She worked as a secretary for a company in the same building where he operates his business in Manhattan, New York. She was a 28-year-old African American woman. Her name was Beatrice, and she was beautiful to behold!

She knew Ambrose was married. But for reasons best known to her, she just wanted to have a taste of him. Even though he was 55, he never looked that age. People often guess he was in his late thirties because of his magnificent physique and muscular buildup. Besides his masculinity, he was extraordinarily handsome. Although he was not affiliated with a particular religious belief system, he was the type of African American man that believed the married bed must not be defiled.

When the problem of infertility began to erode his mind, he started to have second thoughts about the lady that has been eager to go out with him. He began to change his position on the sanctity of the marriage bed principles. The thought led to the gradual breakdown of his commitment to his wife.

It was a beautiful morning, and he headed to work as usual. He was inside his car in the parking lot, trying to get his stuff together before heading to his office. Then he heard a voice that said, ‘good morning. Do you need help taking those items?’ He saw a striking figure standing beside his car when he looked up.

Oh! Good morning. You scared me, he replied.

Really! I’m sorry, for I never mean to scare you. But who am I to scare the most handsome and talented man I have ever seen? I was about to step out of my car when you pulled in. Hence, I decided to take you by surprise.

What a wonderful thought! You look so charming this morning.

Thanks. Would you permit me to help carry one of those items to your office? It appears you have a lot in your hand.

I appreciate your kindness, but my receptionist will come and get them. If I may ask, what are you doing this afternoon during your break time?

Nothing, she replied.

Are you available to have lunch with me?

Please, could you come again!

I asked if you were available to have lunch with me.

Yes, sir! I thought I never heard you correctly, she replied.

Could we meet at the cafeteria by noon?

Noontime will work for me, sir, she said.

They walked into the building and took the elevator to their respective offices. She could not believe the man she had had a crush on suddenly developed the desire to have lunch with her. Beatrice was a single woman. She had just separated from an abusive relationship. She was light-skinned and possessed the unique curvature of a typical African woman. Her size goes with her physique, giving her a weight of 120 pounds.

Ambrose was constantly fixated on how pretty she was, and her imagination began to stream through his mind to the extent that he could not concentrate. Thus, he was looking forward to the time they would spend together. Sooner than later, it was noon. Then he proceeded to the cafe.

He got there before her and decided to secure an excellent spot to have some privacy and enjoy their meal uninterrupted. When she came in, they hugged each other and seated.

Wow! I’m indeed surprised that I’m sitting beside you for lunch, she said.

Why are you surprised?

You know what I am talking about. I have longed expected for a time such as this.

The waitress walked in and politely asked them if they were ready to place their orders. They affirmed that they were still looking through the menu. She showed them the menu special for the day and asked if they needed something to drink. They both requested orange juice. The juice was delivered to their table while they glanced through the menu. At this point, they placed their orders, and the food was delivered to their table momentarily. Then they began to enjoy their meal.

I am happy to spend this time with you, he said.

Really.

Yes! Do you know I have been thinking much about you lately?

Sir, that’s difficult for me to believe, she said.

What made you say that?

To be sincere with you, I had thought I was not up to the standard for the type of women you date. I regretted making the move I made a few years ago to unveil my desires for you. I am a woman who believes the man should make the move. But I did it anyway because I could not take my eyes away from you. I want you to understand that you are the only man I have openly expressed such a desire for. In my past relationships, the men seek me out, she said.

Are you single at this time?

Yes, she replied.

Is there a reason you chose not to be with a man?

I have been traumatized repeatedly by men I had thought sincerely loved me. My last two relationships have been like living in hell. But I am glad that the relationship is finally over. I invested all I had into the unfortunate relationship, but my ex-boyfriend used me to achieve his selfish objectives. So, I don’t have the intention of dating anyone until I can figure out what the hell I’m doing wrong that unnecessarily gives me heartache from the hands of those that claimed to love me, she replied

Do you think the fault is coming from you?

I don’t believe so. I am a goal-oriented young woman who likes to explore her untapped potential. The two men I have ever dated in my life appear to be too controlling. They are the type of persons I would describe as having insecurity problems. They both hate an outspoken woman and would do what it takes to quench her voice. But what made you decide to invite me for lunch today?

I just feel it is time for me to know you, he replied.

Are you out of your mind!

Not at all. I am serious, he replied.

But you are married.

And so, what!

Did you forget what you said about infidelity? Why do you think about me if you are a married man? She asked in dismay.

But you knew I was married when you desired to be with me in the past.

"That was then. I was single and desperately looking for someone to comfort me because my father, who was everything to me in life, was murdered in cold blood. I was much younger then and didn’t know my right from left.

That’s sad. I never knew you lost your father, he said.

Yes, I did. I had just graduated from college at the time, shortly before I was gainfully employed at my present job. It was the most horrendous experience of my life for some wicked persons to take the life of my father and best friend, she emphasized in anger.

I’m indeed sorry to hear that. I could imagine how difficult it has been to lose your father and go through the trauma of a broken relationship.

Thank you for your concern, but this is why I cannot date someone already in a relationship. I don ’t want any woman to go through the nightmare I have been through in the hand of men who think they are always right and use women to their advantage.

I completely understand your concerns but there are still few good men out there.

Are you one of the few good men?

Yes, I am, he replied.

If you are that good, why do you choose to hurt your wife because of me?

Since I tied the knot in marriage years ago, I have never cheated on my wife. I loved my wife, but I am beginning to get tired of the relationship, he replied.

Getting tired of the relationship? Marriage is a lifetime commitment, and your wife should be your best friend. Are you trying to exchange her with fresh blood?

Oh no! My wife is a beautiful woman, he replied.

Why, then, are you getting tired of the relationship?

These are personal issues I don’t feel comfortable discussing with you now.

I don’t want to delve into your family business. But if you love your wife as you’ve claimed, why not table the issues with her and get it resolved once and for all!

It is not what can be resolved.

Okay! Do what you think would make you have the peace you’re looking for.

I believe that peace will come through you, he said.

How?

He paused and took a deep breath. He held her hand and began to wiggle his legs. Then he said, I am sorry for the mischief and brutality your ex-boyfriend has caused you. I sincerely believe you do not deserve any form of heartache and sorrow from any man. I understand your concern for my family, but nothing can mend our differences. I am in a precarious situation that has eaten deep into the fabric of my existence. Perhaps there is a reason I invited you out at a time such as this when I never knew you were single.

But what is the reason? Why should your peace come through me? I am a nobody.

Listen to me! This is my first time sitting with you. I think it will be unwise to bombard you with the pain in my heart. The point I am trying to establish is for you to understand that I have feelings for you. Perhaps I will feel more comfortable discussing my marital issues with you in due course.

I have heard you loud and clear. I think it is time to call it a day, she said.

It is a time well spent. I will keep in touch.

2

It was Beatrice’s birthday. She was the kind of person that does not take her date of birth lightly. Because of this reason, she requested to be off from work, but unfortunately, her request was denied. It was the time of the year, the Christmas season, which was the busiest period in her company.

She understood that her manager keenly required her presence at the job, so she never took her time off denial to be personal. Being a diligent employee, she placed her company’s needs above hers. This behavior has earned her the best employee of the year five consecutive times.

During a phone conversation with Ambrose a few weeks earlier, she had hinted that her birthday was coming up. He noted the date and determined he would surprise her. He understood she was not a materialistic type of girl. She was wise, intelligent, commanded respect, and was content. He understood his wealth might not capture her love and attention. He decided to do something simple on her birthday.

He called 1-800-Flowers and ordered a basket of mixed roses that looked profound but, at the same time, looked simple to the naked eye. The roses were to be delivered to her at the job. Roses were among the things she treasured, which could easily capture her heart. Early that morning, Ambrose called to wish her a happy birthday. He informed her he had a business meeting to attend and requested to take her out after office hours.

She was awed by his offer and politely said, you are indeed generous. But what time are you looking at?

Around 7:00 P.M., he replied"

Are you not on a curfew? she asked.

Curfew! Why should I be on a curfew?

You know what I meant. You might be expected to be home at a certain time.

Do not let that bother you. I’m not a baby, he replied.

Okay, if you said so.

Is there anything special you want to do?

This is a Friday night. I want to go out and eat in a nice restaurant. If time permits, I would like to see the movie a friend told me about, she replied.

That’s not a problem. I will make the necessary arrangement to accommodate your wishes. Do you want me to pick you up?

Are you able to drive up to Queens? she asked.

Why not? I will surely pick you up if you give me your address.

She gave him her address and hung up the phone. Ambrose was a man of exquisite taste. He made a reservation at a renowned and famous restaurant in Manhattan that specializes in Italian, Asian, Mexican, and American cuisines. It was a hot spot in town. He called the limousine company and made a particular reservation for a Rolls Royce Limousine. It wasn’t that he wanted to show how striking he was but to demonstrate how precious her birthday was to him. Moreso, he wants her to enjoy every moment of the evening.

He thought deeply about what he might present as a birthday gift to her. He stopped at the jewelry mall on his way to the meeting. He picked a diamond necklace that was not too flashy but at the same time looked profound. He was requested to return in a few hours to allow time for the engraving he had chosen to inscribe on the necklace.

He paid for it and departed to the conference. At noon, the basket of roses was delivered to Beatrice’s office. It was a lovely basket filled with roses of different kinds: yellow, red, purple, and white. The receptionist received the basket and kept it on her desk. When she returned from break, she was alerted to something special in her office.

Something special! What is it? she asked.

Go to your office and see for yourself.

She rushed to her office. What she saw was jaw-dropping.

Who sent me a basket of flowers, she shouted in bewilderment.

She was elated and went back to the receptionist to ask about the deliverer.

It was delivered by a certain man who appears to be a worker at the floriculture company, the receptionist replied.

She returned to her office and was still pregnant with the thoughts of who this person might be. When she looked closely, she saw an envelope attached to the basket. She opened the envelope, and inside it was a small heart-shaped card with the following inscription:

I know today is a special day in your life. I stand with you on this day as you add another year to your life, an incredible milestone! I want you to know you have someone behind you that cares. Enjoy the rest of your day to the maximum.

Best regards!

A.

While still excited, she attempted to concentrate on her work. Then suddenly, something popped through her mind, and she said, ‘could it be Ambrose that sent me the basket?’

Intuitively, she reflected on her friends and family members whose names started with the ‘A’ alphabet and narrowed down the list. She concluded that perhaps it was Ambrose or Anthony, her ex-boyfriend, who might be the sender of the roses.

Anthony has been on her case lately, pleading to win her back. He acknowledged his errors and vowed never to betray her again. However, he turned down his request and vowed not to have anything to do with him.

Her day was complete with what she treasured most within her sight. It was 3:00 P.M. when she completed her daily task. She handed over the report to her supervisor and requested to leave early for the day.

Why do you want to leave before closing hours? Amos asked.

Boss! Today is my birthday, she replied.

Wow! Crazy me. I forgot that today is your birthday. The company has a birthday present for you to acknowledge your devotion to duty and excellent customer relationship.

He presented an envelope to her and wished her well. Inside was a birthday card signed by senior staff and a check for $1000.00. She thanked the management for their kindness and appreciation.

She got home at 4:00 P.M. and decided to retouch her apartment. It was sparkling clean and displayed her roses in a conspicuous corner of her living room. She sorted out her best attire for the evening and relaxed.

Ambrose headed to the jewelry store to pick up the necklace. The engraver presented the item to him for inspection, after which it was wrapped and kept in a gift box. He called to notify his wife that he would be home late due to business engagements.

He went to his office to pack his car and asked the limousine to pick him up at 6:00 P.M. He called Beatrice to make sure their plan was still on hold. She was elated to hear from him. To his surprise, she said, I received some beautiful roses today. I do not know who the sender was, but intuitively, I surmise you might be the one. There is no one else I could think of.

Did you like the flowers? he asked.

Yes. This person dug into my heart to know what my desires were. Are you the one that sent the basket?

He began to laugh.

Why are you laughing at me? Is it difficult for you to admit what you sent?

Am I the only person you knew that could send you roses? Do your homework; you might correctly point to the one that remembered you on your birthday.

You are the one. I knew right away that only you could do this.

You have said so. I am happy you like the basket, he replied.

Wow! How did you pick the combinations? Do you know you created a scene in our office when they brought the flowers?

How would I have known that? I called the flower company and told the florist exactly what I was looking for. And he assured me that I will not be disappointed for what shall be sent to you.

Are you saying you have not seen the roses?

That’s correct, he replied.

Please, I want you to take a moment to come into my house to see what you have used to make my day complete. As you indicated in your note, it demonstrates you are a caring man.

This is your day. I will do my best to make it special for you as an occasion worth remembering, he replied.

No word will be sufficient to express my gratitude for what you have done. You have used your generosity to wipe away the pain in my heart and the tears in my eyes.

I will be at your house soon. Try and get ready, he said.

The limousine arrived as scheduled. It was a white Rolls Royce. When Ambrose saw it, he was impressed. The vehicle was the classic type, the well-polished, elegant car of its kind that demonstrates its epitome of timeless luxury, embodying power and regal style.

The driver stepped out of the vehicle and introduced himself to his client as Ruben Uwimana. He opened the door for him to be seated. After which, he introduced himself to the driver. He gave him the address to his destination and cruised off.

If I may ask, where is your accent from? Ambrose asked.

I am originally from Rwanda, Africa. The land of the black people.

Africa is indeed the land of the black race. I have heard much about your country.

What did you know about my country? Ruben asked.

"I am familiar with the political unrest in that part of the world. I have read about the disparity and conflict between the two main ethnic group-the Hutus, and the Tutsis.

Wow, you seem to have in-depth knowledge about my country, Ruben said.

I am vast in current African affairs. My business has taken me to many African nations, including Rwanda and Burundi, for seminars and other logistical matters.

"Well, the problem between the Hutu people and the Tutsi has existed for centuries. Their differences have often resulted in a bloodbath. As you correctly pointed out, everything centered on the power struggle between the two groups. Unfortunately, many lives have been lost through the ages. Some of my relatives and friends were among those massacred during the 1994 uprising, popularly called the Rwandan genocide."

Which of them is your tribe?

I am a Hutu. But regardless of the tribe, many Rwandans have been bruised, lives destroyed, and women raped. I hope to return home someday to effect a positive social change in my beloved country!

People that think like you are needed in Africa. Regardless of the differences in that continent and the corruption that infiltrates her political and social-economic spectrum, Africa belongs to Africans. I hope many Africans migrating from their continent should have your type of mindset to take what they learn in advanced nations to better their countries.

You are right, sir. When I complete my studies at Columbia, I will return to my country to change the political landscape many have taken for granted. That is my dream!

That is incredible! I consider myself an African because my forefathers came from Ghana during the slave trade epoch. I have observed Africans' eagerness to succeed when they make it to this country. I know many African scientists, successful business tycoons, and academicians. I am happy to share with you that Columbia University is my alma mater, he said.

Wow! When did you graduate?

I was there for my graduate studies in 1975, which I completed two years later.

It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.

You are welcome. America is a land of opportunity. If you are not the lazy type, it is the right place for you, because you can work and at the same time think about education. There are vast numbers of entrepreneurial opportunities for those interested in business. It is also a country anyone could get lost and forget his rootage. I believe you are on the right path. Keep the fire burning, he advised.

Sir, we have got to your destination.

That fast! I didn’t know we were already in the Queens. Look for somewhere to park the vehicle, he said.

Then he pulled over to the other side of the street because there was no vacant spot in the parking lot. Beatrice was peeping on and off through her window to see if she would spot his car when he arrived. She knew he frequently drove his Lexus, LS 400. When she saw the limousine parked on the street side, she never envisaged it to be the vehicle she was waiting for.

He stepped out of the car, well-dressed in a white suit and white shoes to match. The apartment complex gate was locked, so he buzzed her apartment number code. Then she answered and inquired who was at the gate.

Ambrose is at the gate. I’m here to see Beatrice.

Okay! I will open the gate for you, sir, she replied.

She lives in a condominium on the third floor of the building. She stepped out of her apartment and walked towards the main entrance of the third floor to receive him. Shortly after she stepped out, she saw him walking toward her. They held each other and exchanged greetings.

Good evening, sir. You made it here on the dot.

Good evening to you, and happy birthday again! Well, the road was free of traffic.

Please let us go in, she said.

They both walked into her apartment. But he noticed something and paused. Everything in her apartment was white, from the carpet on the floor to the