I Rejected the Richest Guy in Church—Here’s Why I Don’t Regret It: Episode 11
EPISODE 11: The Retaliation Begins
After my meeting with Pastor Daniel, I expected things to get better. Instead, they got worse. Much worse.
By Wednesday, I noticed a shift in how people treated me at church. The usual warm smiles were replaced with cold stares. Some people whispered when I passed, while others avoided me altogether.
Amaka was the first to tell me what was going on.
“Naza, something is happening,” she said, pulling me aside after midweek service. “There are rumors spreading about you.”
I frowned. “What rumors?”
She hesitated before speaking. “That you rejected Brother Charles because… because you have someone else outside the church.”
My eyes widened. “What?!”
“And not just that,” Amaka continued. “They are saying that the person you’re seeing is a worldly man, someone who isn’t even a Christian.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “This is ridiculous! Who started this nonsense?”
Amaka sighed. “I don’t know for sure, but… Chinaza, you and I both know who benefits from this kind of lie.”
Charles.
Of course.
The Silent Battle
By Sunday, the whispers had turned into glares. I walked into church, and people were openly staring at me. Some even moved aside, as if I carried some kind of disease.
During service, Pastor Daniel preached about obedience and rebellion. I couldn’t help but feel that some of his words were directed at me.
“When God opens a door for you and you refuse to walk through it, you delay your own blessings!” he declared from the pulpit. “Sometimes, disobedience brings unnecessary suffering. Learn to align yourself with God’s will before it’s too late!”
I swallowed hard. Was he talking about me? Or was I just being paranoid?
After service, I tried to leave quietly, but Charles was waiting for me at the church entrance, leaning against his sleek black SUV.
“Chinaza,” he called out, smiling. “Can we talk?”
I clenched my jaw. “There’s nothing to talk about, Charles.”
His smile didn’t waver. “Are you sure? Because from what I hear, you have a new special friend outside the church. Or is that just a rumor?”
I froze. So he was behind it after all.
I took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eyes. “If you think spreading lies about me will make me change my mind, you’re wasting your time.”
His expression darkened slightly, but he quickly masked it with another smile. “Chinaza, I don’t spread lies. I just share information. The people will believe what they want.”
“Well, let me make something clear to you, Charles,” I said, my voice steady. “You may have money, influence, and even people backing you. But one thing you don’t have is control over my life. And you never will.”
I turned and walked away, feeling his eyes on me the entire time.
The Real War Begins
That evening, I got a call from an unknown number. I hesitated before answering.
“Hello?”
A familiar voice spoke on the other end. “Sister Chinaza, we need to talk. It’s urgent.”
I frowned. “Who is this?”
The voice was calm but firm. “It’s Elder Martins. Meet me at the church office tomorrow morning.”
I swallowed hard. The elders were now involved.
Whatever was coming next, I knew it wouldn’t be easy.
To be continued…
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