جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 155

—Amira—He stood there in a white T-shirt and blue jeans, a bouquet of flowers in hand.His cologne wrapped around me, stirring passionate memories I wasn’t ready to face.I couldn’t breathe. Not with the way my heart was pounding in my chest.“Who’s that?” Mama’s voice came from behind me. She appeared at my side and gasped. “Mr. Rivera!”For the first time since he got here, he smiled. “Good evening, Mrs. Nwosu.”“Evening. We weren't expecting you.” Mama glanced at the gift boxes. “Was that you?”Nathaniel exhaled. “Merry Christmas.”Mama grinned before turning to my cousin.“Come, Oluchi. Let's give them some privacy.”Their footsteps faded down the hallway.I glanced over my shoulder, watching them disappear… then slowly turned back to him.The father of my unborn child.He did come back after all.My breath hitched and tears pricked my eyes.“Hello,” he said.My fingers tightened around the letter. “Hi.”He stepped forward slightly, holding out the bouquet.“This is for you.”I t

—Nathaniel— The moment she slept last night, I threw on pajamas. Grabbed my phone from the nightstand and slipped into the hallway. My heart pounded as I dialed home. It rang twice, then Eloise answered. “Nate?” It was a video call. Mom. Dad. My great-grandmothers and my two brothers stood behind Eloise. “How's everything?” Eloise asked. I took a relieved breath. “We've made up.” They erupted into cheers and hugged each other. “Congratulations, Nate,” my mother whispered. I smiled. “Thanks, Mom.” “So...are we moving to the next plan?” Eloise asked. “That's why I called,” I murmured. “I'll see you all tomorrow.” I ended the call and lowered my phone. The hallway felt too quiet. Careful not to make a sound, I tiptoed back into the room. Warmth tugged at my heart watching her sleep. Slowly, my eyes drifted to her stomach where our little one was growing. More than anything, I wanted to caress her belly—but that could wake her, and she might become suspicious of how I f

—Amira—One Month Later...The rumor of my wedding spread faster than fire.Amira Nwosu was getting married today—to an Oyibo man.By morning, it was everywhere.Maybe if the president of the nation and the governor of my state hadn’t confirmed their attendance, it would have stayed within the village.But now?Every news outlet, every blog... everyone was talking about it.The road leading to my village was packed.And above us, helicopters cut through the sky—flying in and out— as if it was some kind of state event.Inside my family house, the women added the finishing touches to my outfit. When I glanced at the mirror again, I couldn't recognize the maiden staring back at me.For my big day—I was stepping out in a beautifully tailored lace blouse and two George wrappers— one tied over the other for a layered effect. My headgear was a gele tied into an intricate style, matching the designs of my hand fan and purse.Nate's mother, this morning, had gifted me a diamond necklace and wr