Chapter 20 (I)
"She died." The words fell between us like lead. “Death took her from me two years ago. -Chuwkudera.
https://open.spotify.com/track/1wBpOLBIsjXz1EeMeMDjpg?si=274bcf335e854a30
The bass thrummed through the wooden floors as old school Afrobeats filled the decorated hall. I watched my parents sway to the rhythm alongside Wale's, their laughter echoing above the music like they'd known each other for decades instead of hours. The golden light from the ornate chandelier a masterpiece that looked like it had taken artisans years to craft cast warm shadows across the cultural symbols adorning every corner of the space.
Rose petals and emerald leaves draped the mahogany chairs in cascading arrangements, while the endless green carpet runner stretched down the aisle like a path to somewhere I wasn't sure I was ready to go. The scent of jasmine and vanilla candles mixed with the aroma of jollof rice and pepper soup from the self-serve buffet.
My custom photo booth app was working perfectly, the queue never-ending as guests struck poses against the backdrop I'd designed. The LED screen displayed each snapshot instantly, and I couldn't help but smile watching everyone's faces light up at their pictures.
"Boys versus girls for karaoke!" someone shouted, and the crowd erupted into competitive cheers.
"Y'all are cheating!" yu called out when the girls hit perfect harmonies on a Whitney Houston classic.
"Mixed teams then," I laughed. "Losers clean the entire hall!"
The competition was fierce, neither side willing to concede defeat. For the first time in weeks, I watched everyone around me simply exist in the moment no pretense, no hidden agendas. Just pure joy.
While Wale got caught up in animated conversation with his friends, gesturing wildly as he recounted some story that had them doubled over with laughter, I slipped away to check on our parents. They were huddled together near the champagne fountain, chatting like old friends reuniting after years apart.
Relief washed over me. I'd been so worried about this meeting.
I made my rounds first to Wale's parents, who assured me they were having a wonderful time, then to mine. Dad was deep in discussion about business with Wale's father, while Mum...
"Walk with me to the restroom, dear," she said, her tone deceptively casual.
My stomach knotted. I knew that voice.
The bathroom was quieter, muffled music filtering through the walls as she turned to face me. Her eyes were glassy was my mother about to cry?
"Nneoma, that young man speaks about you like you're the very air he breathes," she began, her voice thick with emotion. "He's been planning all of this for months, asked us to keep it secret. The way he talks about you..." She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. "I have never seen a man more devoted."
I shifted uncomfortably against the marble sink.
"As your mother, I would feel nothing but joy giving you away to Wale. I would sleep peacefully knowing you're with someone who would protect you, cherish you. Don't mess this up, my daughter."
"Thank you, Mummy. I know Wale is"
"Has he asked yet?"
The question hung between us like smoke. "Asked what?"
"You know what I mean. And if he does, what will you say?"
My silence stretched too long. I watched her face shift from hopeful to concerned.
"You need to open your eyes, Nneoma." Her voice hardened with the weight of difficult truths. "You've known Diadem longer than Wale. If he wanted you truly wanted you he would have claimed you by now. You're not some prize sitting on a shelf, but you understand my point."
Each word landed like a stone in still water, sending ripples through my chest.
"I've watched you cry over that boy for years. Even when you tried to hide it, I knew. The way you'd stare at your phone waiting for his texts, the way your face would fall when he'd mention other girls..." She shook her head. "It broke my heart feeling so helpless."
Tears burned behind my eyes, threatening my carefully applied makeup.
"I hate to say this, but Diadem is not the man you've built him up to be in your mind. Stop fantasizing about potential and see him for who he chooses to be right now. He may be confused about many things, but he's crystal clear about not wanting you."
The words hit like physical blows.
"Don't drag this fantasy into your future with Wale. You love that boy, but you're holding yourself back from the happiness standing right in front of you."
She sighed deeply and walked toward the door. "I need you to let Diadem go."
I stood frozen, blinking rapidly to keep the tears from falling, when the door swung open.
Chioma stepped in, that familiar smirk playing on her lips. "Oops! Mother-daughter heart-to-hearts are my absolute favorite. What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"
My hands clenched into fists.
"Imagine if Wale heard what I just heard," she continued, pulling out her phone. "You're lucky I still have some manners left, or this would already be in his WhatsApp. Stop forcing yourself to love him and go crawling back to that worthless boy who keeps stringing you along."
Something inside me snapped.
I grabbed her by the front of her silk blouse, backing her against the wall. "Repeat what you just said."
Her eyes widened with surprise, then fear.
"I've been quiet, trying to understand what the hell is going on between you and Wale, because I know something is up." My voice was dangerously calm. "I'm usually the sweet one, but you don't want to test me right now. Not all angels are nice we serve different purposes. Try me and find out exactly what I'm made of."
I leaned closer, my grip tightening. "Stay away from my man. Do you understand me?"
She nodded frantically.
"Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes," she whispered.
I released her with a shove. "Coward."
The moment she fled, my legs gave out. I slumped against the bathroom wall, finally letting the tears flow freely. My shoulders shook as I muffled my sobs, not wanting anyone to hear.
My phone buzzed: "Looks like I forgot one of my kidneys with you. Where are you, love? I've looked everywhere. Are you playing hide and seek? 😘"
The sweetness in his message only made me cry harder.
My phone rang Chukwudera's name flashing across the screen. I answered, trying to sound sleepy instead of devastated.
"This man has been restless because you're not by his side," he said without preamble. "It's time to change into your Igbo attire. Remember the plan?"
"Yeah."
"Nne, idi okay? You sound like you're trying to convince yourself of something."
I wasn't in the mood to share, but something in his tone seemed genuinely concerned. "I'm fine."
"I'm coming to get you."
Minutes later, Chukwudera led me outside to the resort's terrace overlooking the ocean. The waves crashed against the rocks below in a rhythm that matched my heartbeat. Today was Wale's day I was determined not to ruin it with my emotional breakdown.
Chukwudera stared out at the water with a longing I recognized too well.
"I wish she were here," he said, so quietly I almost missed it.
"Who?"
"The woman I loved with my entire existence." His voice cracked. "No amount of pleading, praying, or bargaining could bring her back."
When he turned to look at me, unshed tears glistened in his eyes. "My wife."
My heart stopped. "What happened?"
"She died." The words fell between us like lead. “Death took her from me two years ago. We actually visited this resort together Wale was still single then, and we teased him about it. She talked about you that weekend, said she had a feeling you'd be important to him someday. It was like she could see the future."
Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks as we sat in the weight of shared grief his for the love he'd lost, mine for the love I needed to let go.
Barbie as Narrator:
Ho ho ho! I've missed you all so much! The author kept me locked away, but did you like my Father Christmas entrance?
First things first a round of applause for Nneoma's mother! Those words needed to be said, even if they cut deep. I mean, we've been screaming "WAKE UP!" at this girl for chapters now!
And Wale with his "did you take my kidney" text? That man is GONE for her! But our girl Nneoma finally showed some backbone with Chioma about time someone put that snake in her place!
But oh my GOD... Chukwudera's wife? A moment of silence for that revelation. No wonder he understood heartbreak so well.
Things are heating up now! I can see why our author took her time with this chapter. The emotional layers are THICK.
See you in the next chapter! Love you all! 💕
The author wants you to know she loves you all and apologizes for the wait. We're so proud of how this story is developing! She spoke at an event had to juggle work plus preeping hard too for her session which came out well, she spoke well more info later love you all.