The hidden truth: Episode 1

Hello, hive.

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It's my first time in this community. I was searching through Hive to see a community where I can write episode stories, and I came across this community. It's my pleasure to be here, and from time to time, I will be sharing stories from different areas of life. Looking at our society today, there are many failing relationships and marriages. Divorce is so rampant with single parents here and there.

Looking into some of the factors that caused this, hidden truth is very much part of failed marriages. A truth one is afraid to share with one's partner that can ruin the home if found out later. I can understand why some choose not to tell their partners some deep things about them, but then it is not good to be kept. Confession sometimes at an early stage can save lots of troubles and old age tears. I will be sharing a story where the truth that should have been confessed at the early stage was kept and in turn changed the lives of the characters. This story is in episodes, and I would be scared every two days. The next episode will come up on Friday. Do well to read and comment. I would love to hear what you have to say about it.

THE HIDDEN TRUTH
EPISODE 1

Simbi sat quietly in her room, looking at the mirror on the wall. She was 39 and still looked beautiful, but her heart was heavy. Life had not been fair to her in the area of love. She had tried again and again to find a man who would love her and accept her daughter, but each time she told the truth, the men disappeared. Five good men had walked away from her just because she was a single mother. Now, after many years, she had found someone who seemed different. His name was Clifford, and he made her heart feel alive again.

Clifford was kind, handsome, and had a good job. He loved Simbi and treated her with respect. For the first time in years, she felt safe in a man’s arms. But deep inside her, she feared what would happen if he found out about her daughter. Liliana was 19 and in the university. Simbi had given birth to her when she was just 20 years old. Life had been tough, but she raised her daughter with love and care. Still, she had decided not to tell Clifford. She was not ready to lose another man.

When Clifford proposed, Simbi said yes without hesitation. Her heart was full of joy, but her mind was troubled. How would she continue hiding such a big truth? She had never lied to Clifford before. But this time, she felt she had no choice. Clifford always talked about how he couldn’t marry a woman with a child. He said he wanted to build a fresh family, one without any outside ties. Simbi knew if she told him now, he might cancel the wedding. She couldn’t bear to lose him.

Liliana was happy for her mother, but also confused. “Mum, are you not going to tell him about me?” she asked one night. Simbi looked at her and sighed. “No, my dear. Not yet,” she replied. “But what if he finds out later?” Liliana asked. Simbi turned away and said, “I will handle it when that time comes.” Liliana loved her mother and knew how much she had suffered over the years. She wanted her to be happy, even if it meant playing along for a while.

As the wedding plans moved forward, Liliana asked if she could attend the ceremony. Simbi said no at first. She didn’t want anyone to suspect anything. But Liliana begged her for days. She promised not to call her ‘mum’ or say anything that would expose the truth. After thinking about it, Simbi agreed. She told Clifford that Liliana was a family friend, a young lady she mentored. Clifford liked Liliana the first day he met her and was happy when Simbi said she would be her chief bridesmaid.

The date was fixed, invitations were printed, and Simbi focused on hiding her secret. Every time she looked at her daughter, she felt guilty. Liliana was grown, beautiful, and respectful. She deserved to be recognised as her child. But fear ruled Simbi’s heart. Each night, she asked herself if she was doing the right thing. But her fear of losing Clifford made her push those thoughts away. She convinced herself that some truths were better hidden. At least, for now.

Liliana tried to stay calm and play her role well. She never called Simbi “mum” when Clifford was around. She acted like a friend and helper. But inside her heart, she didn’t like the lie. She respected Clifford and wanted him to love her mother for who she truly was. Still, she understood why her mother was doing it. They had cried together in the past whenever a man left because of her. She didn’t want that pain to return.

One evening, Simbi and Clifford went to see the pastor who would officiate their wedding. The pastor prayed for them and talked about building a marriage on truth. Simbi nodded and smiled, but her heart beat fast. She kept thinking, “Am I building this marriage on lies?” Clifford held her hand and said, “I can’t wait to build a beautiful life with you.” Simbi smiled again and said, “Me too.” But deep down, she was not at peace. The wedding was just two weeks away.

The house was filled with excitement as the big day drew near. Clifford was busy planning the honeymoon while Simbi focused on her gown and guests. Liliana helped her shop and make arrangements. Every time the three of them were together, Clifford would praise Simbi and say, “You are lucky to have such a wonderful young friend.” Simbi would nod and say nothing. Sometimes, she wanted to cry. She wished she could just tell the truth, but fear always held her back.

As the final week approached, Simbi could no longer sleep well. She had dreams of the secret coming out on the wedding day. She saw Clifford walking away, angry and hurt. She saw Liliana crying. She would wake up sweating and panicked. But in the morning, she would get up and continue planning. She had come too far to turn back. She believed that once they were married, things would work out somehow. For now, her mission was to make sure the wedding went smoothly. The truth can stay hidden for now.

To be continued.

Thanks for your time, and your comments will be appreciated.

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