Like someone who knew what she wanted. So, you’re the famous Chaik, she said with a small smile, swirling her wine glass. And you’re the Adarora everyone keeps talking about, he replied.
They spoke for two hours. About business. About travel.
About life. But the topic Chaik brought up, almost by force, was family. I’ve been ready for children since forever, he said…
I just haven’t found the right woman. Adarora raised her brow. You were married before, right? Yes, Chaik said quickly.
But she… she couldn’t give me a child. We tried. For years.
Adarora said nothing. She just nodded. Then she smiled again.
I’m not in a hurry. But I do want children. Maybe two.
Or three. Chaik’s heart jumped. Same here.
Within a month, they were seen together everywhere. At weddings. At business launches.
Even at church. People started whispering. Chaik has finally moved on.
He started spoiling her. Buying her dresses. Phones.
Even a car. One day, Adarora said, let’s not waste time. If we’re serious, let’s do it.
Do what? Chaik asked. Marriage, she said, sipping her juice like it was nothing. Chaik stared at her.
You’re ready. I’m a grown woman, she said. I know what I want.
I don’t believe in dating for 10 years. If you want me, show me. That night, Chaik called his event planner.
The wedding preparations began immediately. Everything had to be perfect. It was going to be the biggest wedding in town.
Red carpet. Rolls Royce. A live band from Ghana.
Guests flying in from Abuja and Dubai. Chaik was obsessed with making the wedding grand. Not just for love.
But to prove something. To his friends. To his mother.
To the world. He wanted everyone to see that he had moved on. That his life was better without Ngozi.
And deep down, a small voice whispered, he wanted Ngozi to see it too. One afternoon, as he sat with the wedding planner going through the guest list, Chaik paused. Add one more name, he said.
Who? The planner asked. He picked up a pen and wrote it himself. Ngozi Ease.
The planner raised her brow. Your ex-wife. Chaik didn’t explain.
He just smiled coldly. Send her the invite. First class.
I want her to be there. Front seat. Meanwhile, Adora was planning her own side of things.
She had ordered her wedding gown from a designer in Milan. The lace cost more than some people’s cars. Her bridesmaids were already rehearsing their dance steps.
Her bridal shower was to be held at a beach resort. To the world, she was glowing. But behind closed doors, Adora was getting worried.
She had been trying to get pregnant for months. Nothing. Every morning, she checked her calendar.
Every evening, she stared at test kits. All negative. She hadn’t told Chaik yet.
She was afraid. And her mother’s voice kept ringing in her head. Are you sure this man is not the one with the problem? Two weeks before the wedding, Adora finally brought it up.
They were lying on the bed, going through some photos on her phone. She said quietly, Chaik, do you ever think about seeing a doctor? Chaik looked at her. Why? For checkup, she said carefully.
Just to be sure everything is fine. Before we marry. He frowned.
What do you mean by that? I mean, she hesitated. We’ve been together for months. No pregnancy.
Chaik stood up slowly. So you think I’m the problem? No, no, she said quickly. I’m just saying maybe we both check.
Together. Chaik’s face turned cold. You sound just like Ngozi, he said sharply.
Blaming me. Making me feel like I’m broken. Adora sat up.
I didn’t say that. He grabbed his shirt. Let’s not talk about this again.
Ever. Adora said nothing. But inside, a new kind of fear was growing.
Chaik continued the wedding plans like nothing happened. He told his friends, this wedding will shake the city. I want my ex to see what real success looks like.
