Justo’s deception had gone on for far too long. He had kept his identity hidden from Jasmine, convincing her he was a native South African. His mother was originally Zambian, of Chokwe origin, and his father, a notorious fugitive from Zimbabwe, had grown up immersed in the dangerous world of contraband trafficking.
Justo’s father had built his wealth by exploiting the economic disparities between the countries in the SADEC region and smuggling goods across borders. And Justo had been groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps, becoming a key player in the family business.
Jasmine, while back in Kenya for a much-needed break, had a rare conversation with her mother. Her mother, perceptive and caring as always, could sense that something was wrong with her daughter. She knew that all did not seem to be well.
Mum: My daughter, since you came home, 3 days ago, you have been behaving unusual. Is there something the matter?
Jasmine: mum, I am okay. It is just the stress of work. You know the end year reports, and the auditors are coming in later in the month.
Mum: You are my daughter. You can share with me anything that is troubling you. I have lived long with you to know that you are not okay. You can hide from me whatever you are going through but find a way to address it before it consumes you.
The truth about Justo’s past was about to be revealed, and Jasmine’s world was about to be turned upside down.
As the days went by, Jasmine noticed a change in Justo’s behavior. He became increasingly erratic, often disappearing for days on end without any explanation. She could sense that something was not right, but she could not put her finger on it. This was now 2 years into their relationship.
It wasn’t until the police showed up at her doorstep, asking about Justo’s whereabouts, that Jasmine realized the extent of Justo’s deception. She was completely blindsided by the accusations of assault, drug trafficking, and fraud that Justo was facing. How could the man she loved be capable of such heinous crimes?
Jasmine was caught in the middle of a nightmare. She was a suspect in Justo’s disappearance, and her reputation was on the line. She spent three long days in a cold, cramped cell, waiting for answers, feeling lost and alone.
But then, a glimmer of hope appeared. Justo’s uncle, a well-known attorney in Cape Town, came to her rescue. He made a few influential calls and managed to get her released from custody.
What is love? George, am I being foolish? Where is love in all this? This is the question that Jasmine posed to me a few weeks ago while catching up on a phone call. She is wondering how to escape from this trap. She feels her life would be in danger keeping the relationship, but even more scared to dump him. What should she do?
I am not a love therapist, but this is what I told Jasmine that she should prioritize her safety above all else. Love should never be a justification for staying in a relationship that puts her life in danger. I told her to consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who can provide her with the tools and resources to make the best decisions for herself. It is essential that she takes care of her mental and emotional well-being during this time. Ultimately, the decision to stay or leave the relationship is a personal one, and it is important for her to trust her instincts and do what is best for her. I remain a friend. I will always be there for her to listen and offer guidance to the best of my knowledge.
Daddy Chronicles 