The Wake-up Call

By Amaka Azie

This Valentine's Day would be different. A new boyfriend. A romantic surprise ranch getaway. But when the ranch turns out to be his home, and the surprise, his wife, Amanda Achike records history's worst ever Valentine's Day. And decides she's not built for love or romance.

Then comes a strange, yet intriguing request from childhood friend Obiora Uchendu. Please help him win over the woman of his dreams. She might be cynical about love, but she'd do anything for Obiora. After all, he'd given up so much for her.

Would assisting him restore her faith in true love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amaka Azie
• Release date: Feb 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224810376

Book preview

Chapter One

A sharp thwack strikes me between the shoulder blades. Stinging skin breaks through my subconscious, jerking me awake. I spring upright and blink my eyes in confusion.

Nelson?

At the side of the bed, he looms above me like a spectre in a creepy film. Except his eyes are bulging with panic. Goosebumps rise on my skin, as his fear invades me. I look around for the enemy.

What the fu⁠—?

He reaches out and yanks my arm, stunting my question. I’m plucked from the bed like a ragdoll.

You need to leave. Now, he says.

Leave? But I was going to make breakfast, remember?

No answer as he sprints around the room, scooping up each piece of clothing he’d slid off my body last night before we made love. He’s like a bird gathering twigs for a nest.

Finished, he walks back and shoves my belongings at me.

Is everything okay?

There’s no time for questions, he barks. My wife will be here any minute.

Wife—he’s joking right? But the crazy blinking of his eyes proves he’s dead serious. And scared shitless.

I shove my black gown over my head, don’t bother with the lacy bra I’d worn earlier.

My heart beats so fast I can feel it as I shove my panties and bra into my large purse.

My shoes. Where are they? I scream silently.

I cast wild eyes around over the floor, finally spotting one peeking out from under the foot of the bed.

Where’s the other one? I ask. I can hear the squeal in my own voice, akin to the wail of an animal snared by a trap.

To hell with your shoes, Amanda. You need to get the fuck out of⁠—

The doorbell slices through Nelson’s tirade.

Shit! he grunts. Too late. You need to hide.

Hide? You’re kidding, right?

Before I know what hits me, Nelson is dragging me like a sack of potatoes across the room. He shoves me into the bedroom closet. I open my mouth to protest, but the door slams in my face, plunging me into darkness. I hear the lock sliding shut, and long to yell let me out. I know better.

No one would believe this shit. That I, Amanda Achike, the daughter of Chief Achike, the ex-minister of education and one of Nigeria’s wealthiest men, stands here trapped in a closet. And hiding like a common criminal.

Chineke me e o. My God!

My father’s jolly round face covered with a grey beard appears before me in the pitch dark.

He looks at me, shakes his head, his dark eyes sad with disappointment. Nothing new there.

This is one hot buttered mess I’ve got myself in now, and damned if I know how. Angry tears clog my throat, and I shove my fist into my mouth to keep from howling.

I need to get hold of myself, because I hear her. The wife—this is insane. Her cheery voice is getting louder. And closer. Soon, she’s in the same room. I can feel it. Lord, how much deeper does hell get?

"Happy Valentine’s Day, baby. I missed