“So you’re inviting her to disgrace her?” Chik smiled proudly. She needs to see what she lost. But Connell looked unsure. Are you sure that’s wise? What if? There’s no what if? Chik snapped. She’ll sit in that hall and see my new bride walking down the aisle in diamonds. Let her choke on regret. On the day of the wedding rehearsal, Chik stood in the hall alone before anyone else arrived.
He looked around the decorated space. Roses, chandeliers, golden chairs. But his heart wasn’t peaceful. He took out his phone and stared at Goza’s name on the guest list again. He thought about how she used to smile when she arranged his ties. How she made him pepper soup whenever he was sick. How she cried that night he threw her out. He shook his head quickly.
No, he whispered. She was the problem. She couldn’t give me a child. I made the right choice. Still, he couldn’t breathe properly. He walked out and lit a cigarette. Far away, Gozi was bathing one of the triplets when her phone buzzed. A marker picked it up and froze. “Noi, what is it?” Goi asked, drying the baby’s hair.
“It’s a wedding invitation.” “From who?” A marker turned the phone. “Chike.” N Goi stared at the screen, heart pounding. She reached for the phone, read the invite, then slowly placed it on the table. A marker was fuming. What kind of insult is this? Is he mad? But Ngozi just stood quietly, holding her baby close. Then she smiled,a calm, steady smile.
“It’s okay,” she said softly. “Let him have his wedding.” Amarka frowned. “You’re not going, right?” N Goi looked at her babies, all three sleeping peacefully. She didn’t answer, but the way she walked to her room with quiet confidence, said everything. Goi stood by the window, one hand gently rocking the baby in her arms while the other held the wedding invitation.
The gold envelope was thick and shiny, like something meant for a king. The letters were bold and loud. Chik and Adora, the royal union. She had read the card five times already. Each time it said the same thing, the date, the venue, the dress code, and then her name printed clearly on the guest list. Goes first row seat.
She lowered her eyes and took a deep breath. She wasn’t crying. She wasn’t shaking, but something inside her was rising slowly, like firewarming cold stones. A marker walked in carrying a bowl of hot pap. I still don’t understand why he sent this. Is he crazy or just wicked? Goi said nothing. A marker placed the bowl down.
Is he trying to insult you after everything he did? Still no answer. A marker snapped. Gozi, talk to me now. Why are you so calm? You should have torn that invitation into pieces and thrown it in the dust bin. Goi finally spoke. He wants me to feel small. A marker folded her arms. Then let’s ignore him.
We will not give him that chance. Goi turned slowly. He wants me to come and cry in a corner while his bride walks in with gold on her skin and a smile on her lips. “And we will not go,” Amarka said again. N Goi looked at her three sons sleeping quietly on the rug, their matching yellow honestes wrinkled from playtime.
“But what if we show him the truth?” Amarka’s brow rose. “What truth?” M Goza’s voice was firm. That I was never the problem. That the woman he thought was broken is whole. Amara was silent for a long time. Then she sat down. Wait, are you planning to go to the wedding? Goi nodded. With the boys. Another nod.
A marker opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Then she laughed. Ew, that man will faint. Goi, are you serious? M Gozi smiled for the first time that day. Very serious. The plan began that evening. M Gozi went to the wardrobe and picked out a long yellow gown she had kept for a special day. It had been sewn months ago by a marker, but she had never worn it.
A marker brought out her makeup kit. If we’re doing this, we’ll do it well. I don’t want to look loud, said. I want to look peaceful, but powerful. Say less,” Amarka grinned. “You’ll look like God’s proof.” They ordered new outfits for the boys, matching yellow shorts and white shirts with bow ties. Amarka borrowed a friend’s contact and booked a black Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The car would arrive that morning and wait down the road until Mosi gave the signal. They practiced how the boys would hold her hands and walk beside her. The twins were a little playful, but the youngest always followed her steps. I’m not going there to fight. Goi reminded Amaka as they folded clothes. I know, Amaka said.
But trust me, your presence alone will scatter that wedding. On the night before the wedding, Goi couldn’t sleep. She sat by the window again, watching the stars. Emma came and stood behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” he said softly. I want to, she replied, not to prove anything to him, but to remind myself that I survived and I’m still standing.
He kissed her cheek. Whatever you decide, I’m with you. Goi turned to him. Thank you. You’ve given me what no man could ever give me. Peace. Emma smiled. And you gave me back joy. The morning of the wedding arrived. The whole city buzzed with noise. Social media was full of pictures. Hashchik and Adora was trending.
