Oops!!!! Not again

Elara’s POV :

“Hey baby, how was your day today?” I asked my husband as soon as I got seated in his car. I just bought my own car and it’s getting delivered today. I’ve always wanted a Range Rover, so the moment I had enough savings to get it, I instantly did and I’m so happy I got it right in time for my new job. I’m so thankful to Gift for recommending her old job and position for me cause heaven knows I really needed it.

“Babe? You didn’t answer me. I asked how was your day.” I called out to my husband again cause I noticed he didn’t reply me. And he still didn’t reply me, he completely pretended like he couldn’t hear me talking. I knew if it was some other woman they would have kept talking until he replies them but not me. I know better than to do that. So instead I kept my mouth shut and pray silently that I hadn’t done anything to upset him or my day is about to get extremely bad.

******

The moment we got home, he didn’t even wait for me to come down from the car before he dragged my ass out of the car into the house.

“Now tell me why your ugly fat ass is dressed this way? Huh? Is that why you didn’t wait for me to get ready and take you to this so called new job before you booked a ride and left.” He shouted after flinging me roughly on the couch. I stayed quiet. Knowing my place cause i know what would happen if I so much as utter a word while he’s talking.

“Who are you trying to disgrace, dressing like a fat slutty pig. If you were even skinny and beautiful I might even be a bit jealous about it but I’m not. Instead I’m ashamed that you had the confidence to show all this fatty ugly skin outside. Do you know how embarrassed I felt to have come and pick you up from work looking like this. People are going to talk about how such an handsome young well to do man like myself could have such a pig for a wife.” He kept talking while rubbing his hands on his face like I’m stressing him the fuck out. Maybe I am. I guess that all I’m ever good for. I just sat on the couch quietly crying to myself but not daring to say a word.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you, Elara. As from now on, don’t you ever in your fat life ever ask me to come pick you up from work ever again, do you hear me? You can find your own way as from tomorrow. I don’t need to be seen associated with a giant like you.” I nodded my head in reply to him.

“Good. Now go make me something to eat and I better like it or you know what will happen if I don’t. Get out of my sight, go change into a more coverable outfit. I don’t need to see all this fat all up in my face. Cover it up. It’s hideous.”

I instantly ran to my bedroom, yeah my bedroom. I know as a married woman, I should be staying in the same bedroom as my husband but he kicked me out after I caught him having sex with another woman on our matrimonial bed. He said “it’s because I gave you too much access to the room that’s why you believe you can just walk into the bedroom anytime you want without thinking in your fat head that you should knock first.” So instead of apologizing to me for cheating on me, he instead kicked me out of my own bedroom so that he can cheat peacefully with me interrupting his “orgasm session” and mind you, I got beaten for ruining his orgasm cause he was so close to cumming when I waddled my way into the bedroom. As he said.

He beat me so much to the point where I lost my pregnancy and this has happened two times in a row. That was the second time, he had beaten a pregnancy out of me. And now I’ve just decided to get on birth control so I won’t even have to get pregnant for him to the point where he has to beat another baby out of me. I’m not sure I can go through that pain and trauma ever again. So I guess we are just gonna be childless forever.

Yeah, this is the story of my life. The story of Elara Stone’s life. I know many will ask why I didn’t divorce him but I can’t and he knows that too. My family doesn’t believe in divorce. They say once you’re married, you’re married. There’s no going back. They always say “Whatever you’re facing in your marriage is nothing new, everyone has gone through it. So you’ll suck it up and stop acting like a baby. Even if it’s kills you, at least you’ll die as a married woman and you’ll be buried with honors instead of as a woman who couldn’t keep her home.” That to my family is honors and dignity.

And it’s been instilled in me since I was a child to the point where I just can’t go back on my values and upbringing. So you see why I’ll forever be in this sham of a marriage. Maybe, just maybe until someone strong enough to rescue me from myself comes. Cause even I don’t have the strength to leave him. I mean look at me, I’m such a fatty just like he said. Who would want a fat ugly divorced pig like myself? Huh? NOBODY. At least he is still married to me, which means he must have some type of love for me, right? If not he would have left me a long time ago. I won’t even blame him really, cause look at me and look at him. He could literally get married to any woman of his choice tomorrow and throw me out but instead he only just sleeps with them while I still remain his wife, which means I should feel lucky, right? Yeah I should.

I need to get myself together quickly before he gets too hungry and I end up being in trouble. I don’t want to go to the university tomorrow looking like I got hit by a bus. I can’t afford to have people’s nose stuck in my business. Especially not this soon into a new job.

******

“Good morning babe, I’m off to work and your breakfast is in the microwave.” I said to my husband through his bedroom door before leaving the house to go to work.

I was happy to arrive at the university a hour earlier than I did yesterday, which reminded me of that sweet hot gentleman I accidentally hit on my way to my office yesterday morning. Damn! He was fine!!! He was every definition of fine, sexy and hot. The fact that he was so respectful and gentle with me just melted my heart in an unexpected way. It’s really been a long time since someone as handsome as him has ever even talked to me, talk more of being so polite and gentle with me. Its really warmed my heart. I almost started drooling over him and forget all my manners but I had to remind myself that I’m a married woman. And to make matters worst, I walked into the class and the first person my eye came in contact with was him. God just had to make him a student and not just any student, MY Student. Like urgggh!!!! Why?? He’s such a temptation to me but I know nothing can happen between us. No matter how intensely he stares at me through out the two hours lecture I took them. I know he was staring. I saw him and I could feel every stare burn from him all over my body, which makes me feel some type of way cause I don’t know what he was thinking. I mean according to Elliot, my husband’s saying, he could be thinking I looked like a fat pig too or a giant and I’m here thinking maybe he likes what he see but I don’t know. And I’m not sure I want to know too. I just want us to both stay within our boundaries cause nothing can happen. That I know for sure. I might just even be the one overthinking it. I’m sure he won’t even go for someone like me even if I was a student and single anyway especially not with the amount of model looking girls I see around the university. Those are certainly his type, not me. Some old fat ugly married professor.

So instead I just shrugged off that thought and left my car. Oh yes, my car, it’s finally came in yesterday which I’m so happy that they didn’t disappoint me cause I don’t know what I would have done since Elliot has decided not to pick or drop me at the university anymore since he said he’s too ashamed of me. Which is alright since my baby is here. She’s such a beauty.

I exited my car and adjusted my gown, I decided to go with a black long sleeved body-con dress that hugged my curve in the right places but doesn’t show any of my fat skin. I also had on some skims underneath to suck in all my belly fat and back roll. So I at least looked kinda presentable. I think I look good but I don’t know what Elliot might say if he see me when I come back from work later today at least if he’s around. Which I pray he isn’t. Fingers crossed.

I packed my bag and walked into the university building straight to my office. I have a class to take around 10am and this is currently 9am, so I’m good to go. I haven’t really explored the university yet nor have I mingled with other lecturers since I resumed yesterday. The only people I’ve had a conversation with since I started work, are literally the head of the university, the secretary and my hot temptation, which I later came to find out that his name is Adrian Wealth.

Hmm, Adrian! Such a fine name for a fine man.

Okay!!! I really need to stop and focus. Damn he is already a distraction to me.

I looked around my office and decided I needed to redecorate it a little to my taste but first, I stood up to re-arrange some things to suit me better. Which took about twenty minutes, then I sat back down to eat my breakfast that I brought with me. Nothing much, just a sandwich and my Starbucks coffee.

Just as I finished eating, my phone rang and I picked it up to see it was Gift. She’s probably calling to check in on how well am fitting into my role as a professor.

“Hey girl.” I said as soon as I picked.

“Hey my love, how are you doing?”

“I’m good, what about you and the family? Are the twins in the school already.” She has two teenage boys, I think they’re about thirteen. My godsons. They are so cute and respectful, I really love them to death. And they know that, from the way I keep spoiling them. I mean I’m the best godmother ever. Purrrr!!

“I’m fine and the family are good too. Yeah, their father went to drop them off now but I’ll tell them, you said hi, when they get back.”

“Okay. And yes I’m settling in great. I know that’s why you called. Isn’t it?”

“Well, you know me too well. I just wanted to know if you’re good and comfortable there. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed or anything.”

“I’m fine Gift. I can handle myself, don’t worry about it, okay?”

“I can’t help it. You know you’re like my little sister and my best friend, all in one. I can’t help not worry about you, you know how I am.”

“I know sweetie and that why I love you soooo much. And I really appreciate you for being in my life. You’re more family than even my own family. You’ve done more for me than my family could ever do. Not even my siblings could do all this things that you have done for me. I don’t know how I would have survived, if not for you in my life. I love you Gifty.”

“Awww!!! You’re gonna make me emotional but I love you too, Lara.”

We talked some more and I even told her about Adrian, which she teased me about. Surprisingly, she told me, he was her favorite student and also the most intelligent student in the whole university, talking about how he’s been winning awards for years now. She said in her words “That little dude is a freaking genius. Even I, his lecturer gets intimidated by how good he is. He never scores anything below 100% not even a 99%.” I find that unbelievable and so intriguing.

We even joked about if a test was given to we, the professor, we were fucking sure nobody will get a hundred percent, maybe a 98% or even a freaking 90%. So to have a student that scores nothing less than a 100% is crazy. The dude is a high level spec. I mean every woman’s dream literally. Like does he have any flaws cause I really need to know.

We laughed about it and I ended the call with a “if we keep talking, then I’ll definitely be late for my class. I’m taking the first year students.” And it’s the truth. When me and gift talk, we could spend all day talking but we love it.

******

“Good morning class, today we will be taking the topic: The Essence of Effective Leadership in Management.”

I paused, letting the words hang in the air as I scanned the room. A few students leaned forward with bright eyes, notebooks already open. Others looked like they had dragged themselves out of bed purely because attendance counted for something. And then, of course, there was a boy at the back, hoodie up, head sinking into his folded arms as though the desk had suddenly transformed into a pillow.

Suppressing a grin, I clasped my hands together. “Don’t worry,” I said, my tone playful. “I won’t bore you into a coma. Leadership is not about making people sleep through meetings, and management is not about checking who’s awake. Though…” I let my eyes linger dramatically on the hoodie boy at the back, “…sometimes a good manager needs to check that too.”

The class erupted in laughter, and the boy bolted upright, cheeks pink with embarrassment. Success. Step one of effective teaching: keep them awake.

“Alright,” I continued smoothly, “before we dive into the deep stuff, let me ask you a question. How many of you think leadership and management are the same thing?”

A few hesitant hands rose into the air.

“And how many of you think they’re different?”

This time, more hands shot up, accompanied by smug glances at their slower classmates.

“Good, good,” I nodded. “And how many of you don’t care, as long as you pass the exam?”

The response was immediate. Half the class laughed and raised their hands without shame.

“Ah, honesty,” I said, pointing approvingly. “That’s leadership material right there. You know telling the truth even when it doesn’t sound impressive.”

I began pacing slowly, making deliberate eye contact. A good lecturer never just talks; she pulls the students into the rhythm of the class.

“Here’s the thing,” I said. “Leadership and management are not enemies. They’re twins. Fraternal twins, not identical. Management is about structure, order, and making sure things don’t explode. Leadership is about vision, inspiration, and making people want to prevent the explosion in the first place.”

A hand went up in the second row. “Ma, are you saying a leader is more important than a manager?”

I smiled and shook my head. “No. Imagine you’re on a plane. The pilot is your leader, he tells you where you’re going and inspires you to trust him. The flight attendant is your manager, she makes sure you’re buckled in and don’t open the emergency door midair. Now, tell me, which one would you rather do without?”

“None!” the students chorused, laughing again.

“Exactly,” I said, tapping the board with my marker. “Both are crucial.”

I wrote in big letters:

Leadership = Vision.

Management = Order.

“Now let’s make this practical. Imagine you’re working on a group project. Half your team wants to rush through it, the other half wants to perfect it until judgment day, and one person” I pointed toward a boy near the front who had been distractedly munching biscuits “is only there to eat the group’s snacks.”

The room exploded with laughter. The poor student laughed along, raising his hands in surrender.

“What do you do in such a situation?” I asked.

A girl near the window raised her hand. “You manage by dividing roles properly.”

“Good,” I said with an encouraging nod. “And?”

“You lead by reminding them of the bigger goal,” another voice piped up from the back.

“Exactly!” I clapped my hands once. “See? You’re already practicing both leadership and management without realizing it.”

I leaned forward conspiratorially. “But let me warn you, sometimes leadership means motivating people who would rather watch Netflix. And management means reminding them that deadlines don’t magically move because they’re tired. Both require patience… and maybe caffeine.”

That earned another ripple of laughter, and I could see the sleepy eyes brightening. Humor was a good ally in education.

“Alright,” I announced, clapping my hands again. “Let’s test this with a quick activity. Form groups of four. Your scenario is this: you’re running a startup, and just before your big product launch, your top employee quits. What will you do as managers? What will you do as leaders?”

The room came alive. Chairs screeched against the tiled floor as students clustered together. Voices rose in lively debates. Some groups leaned in with serious expressions, others gesticulated wildly as if they were already in the boardroom of their imaginary companies.

I strolled between them, hands clasped behind my back, pretending to inspect like a strict examiner, though inwardly amused. I overheard one group arguing about whether pep talks alone could keep morale alive. Another insisted that the only answer was hiring a quick replacement.

Leaning over one particularly noisy group, I raised a brow. “So your solution is to cry and hope for a miracle?”

They burst out laughing. One student quickly waved his hand. “No, ma! We said we’d divide the workload and motivate each other.”

“Ah, much better,” I said with a wink. “Crying never looks professional in the annual report.”

After ten minutes, I called the class back together. “Alright, Group One, let’s hear you.”

A spokesperson stood, looking both nervous and proud. “We decided the manager would redistribute the work while the leader would motivate the team by reminding them why the project matters.”

“Well said!” I applauded. “Balance of backbone and heart. That’s the sweet spot.”

Group Two went next. Their solution involved outsourcing some of the work and buying pizza for the remaining team to keep morale high.

“Pizza as a leadership tool,” I repeated, stroking my chin dramatically as though considering rewriting the syllabus. “Interesting. I must update my textbooks.”

The students chuckled, and one whispered loudly, “Ma, you’ll need extra cheese!” which triggered another round of laughter.

By the time each group presented, the lecture hall buzzed with energy. Even the shy ones had been coaxed into speaking up, their voices shaky at first but gaining strength with every word. That was the magic of interactive learning: everyone found their role, whether as speaker, thinker, or snack-protector.

As the clock edged closer to the end of class, I underlined the two words on the board:

Leadership. Management.

“Remember,” I said, raising my voice just enough to command silence, “one without the other is incomplete. Together, they transform ordinary groups into extraordinary teams.”

I let the silence stretch, giving the weight of the lesson time to sink in. Then I added with a sly smile, “And if all else fails, yes… pizza does help.”

The room erupted into laughter one last time. Even hoodie boy laughed, fully awake now.

The bell rang, and students began shuffling their books into bags, still smiling and chatting animatedly about leadership and pizza.

“Thank you for your attention,” I said warmly. “And your laughter. You’ll need both in the real world.”

As I watched them file out, I felt that familiar, satisfying glow. A good lecture wasn’t about talking endlessly. It was about planting seeds of thought and if you could make people laugh while they grew, well, that was leadership in itself.

I was so happy with how my morning class went. I had so much fun that I almost forgot about all my issues. This is why I love teaching and why I was so happy when Gift propose this job to me.

I packed up all my books and headed out of the lecture hall back to my office.

Oops!!! I hit someone again.

Looking up I saw it was no other than “Adrian Wealth”

“Not again!” We both said at the same time with our eyes wide open.