Chapter 2: Sacrifice and Hidden Hearts

For three years, me and Tunde chop plenty wahala together. We still hold each other small.

Some days, world turn upside down—no money, no friend, no family help. But we manage waka.

When things worst, Tunde waka meet all Baba Tunde old students, but nobody open gate. I shameless beg my papa for Tunde, kneel for outside study for half hour, beg make he help Tunde get work.

My knees pain me, but my pride pain pass. I still push, remember how Mama mouth go twist if I no help my husband.

Tunde sharp. Just give am chance, he go blow.

As I expect, na so e happen.

He follow the quietest chief pikin, serve am, turn king adviser, wait till the man turn king.

Tunde no dey make noise. E dey wait for chance like hunter for bush. When the man become king, Tunde shine.

First month for new king reign, three highest courts retry Baba Tunde case. Dem clear Baba Tunde, Tunde brothers get their post back, and Tunde sef become Oba right hand man.

Big title! Even old men for palace nod respect. Me, I just thank God.

As chieftaincy news land, I dey look flower for Princess Adeola place. Princess Adeola clap, dey smile:

"You get luck, Amarachi! Before, city girls no wan Tunde, now your family get three scholars, you don finally break through."

She wink, other ladies giggle. My face burn.

Noble ladies gather round:

"Sister Amarachi, your eye dey see road!"

Dem touch my wrapper, dey laugh, dey whisper. My ear hot.

Inside all the eyes, I see one gentle pair, soft like harmattan morning. She dodge my eye, lower head. That gentle look touch me deep—clear, honest, heavy. Na Miss Ifeoma Okeke.

I no answer, just smile.

"Yes."

My smile small, but my heart heavy. From wedding day, I dey wait for this day.

People see me dey shine, but na only me know: Tunde no send me, no treat me well. Him heart still dey with one person—the same gentle lady wey just look away.

Miss Ifeoma from Okeke family.

Okeke pride, Tunde true love. Her name always dey Tunde quiet moment, like prayer wey never finish.

Now, divorce letter dey ready, just wait make Tunde sign, as we agree three years ago.

I hide am under wrapper, near chest, like charm against more pain. After that, everybody go their way, marry as dem like.