Those children with her? Chik didn’t answer. Adora turned her face to him completely. Chik, are those her children? The crowd was now completely focused on the couple at the altar. Even the photographers didn’t know where to point their cameras anymore. Chik shifted on his feet. His mouth opened, but no words came out. Adora’s eyes widened.
You told me she was barren. I I thought she was, Chik stammered. Adora’s voice rose slightly. You thought? You told me she couldn’t give you a child. You said that’s why you left her. I believed it, he said quietly. That’s what the doctors. What doctors? She snapped. You never showed me any results. You never agreed to go for tests yourself.
Chik rubbed his head, sweating under the lights. Adora, please, can we talk after this? No, she said firmly. We will talk now because the entire hall is watching. She turned to the crowd. Is this your idea of a joke, Chik? You invited your ex-wife here just to disgrace her, and now she walks in with triplets.
There was a loud murmur from the guests. Chik looked around nervously. “Lower your voice.” But Adora stepped away from him. Her face was filled with confusion and hurt. “You lied to me,” she said louder now. “You lied to me just like you lied to her.” Cunnel came up quickly. “Aderora, please. Let’s go outside for a minute.
” “No,” she said. “I want answers right here.” She looked straight at Nosi. Mama, please,” she called out. “Forgive me for asking this, but are those boys your children?” Goi stood up slowly. She picked up the smallest boy and carried him in her arms. “Yes,” she said clearly. “They are my sons.” The hall went silent again. She looked at Chik.
Her eyes were calm, but strong. You called me baron. Chik, you threw me out and watched me cry on the floor. You said I was cursed. You made me believe I was less than a woman. People gasped quietly, but I wasn’t the problem. And Goi continued, you never agreed to be tested. You said it was always me, but God showed the truth.
And he gave me not one child, but three. Chik couldn’t speak. His tongue felt heavy. Adora turned to him slowly. So you lied. You ruined her. You dragged her name. And all this time it was you. Chik tried to defend himself. I didn’t know. I didn’t mean. You didn’t care. Adora cut in. You just wanted someone to blame. Shestepped away from the altar.
I can’t marry you, Chike, she said, her voice shaking. Not today. Not ever. The crowd gasped. The pastor stepped back. The choir sat down. The camera lights dimmed. Chik tried to reach for her hand. Adora, please don’t do this here. She looked at him one last time. You’re not ready for love. You’re still stuck in your pride. I deserve better.
She dropped her bouquet on the stage and walked out of the hall, her bridesmaids rushing after her. Chik turned, eyes wide, breathing hard. The room spun. Guests began to whisper louder now. That man is barren. So it was his fault all along and he wanted to disgrace her. Imagine. Chik looked at the ground. His knees felt weak.
Goi turned and began walking out of the hall too. Her boys followed beside her. She didn’t look back. She didn’t shout. She didn’t gloat. She walked like a queen leaving a courtroom with dignity and truth wrapped around her like a royal robe. A marker met her at the door. Goi, you did it. You showed them the truth.
Goi shook her head. I didn’t do it to prove anything. I just came to be seen. They stepped into the Rolls-Royce. The driver closed the door gently and the car pulled away. Inside the car, Goi held her boys close. “Are you okay, Mommy?” one of them asked. She smiled. “Yes, I’m more than okay.
” Back at the venue, Chik sat alone on the edge of the stage. His agada looked too big now. His crown felt too heavy. The drinks were still cold, the food still untouched, but the joy had left the room. Connell walked up quietly. Bro, what now? Chik didn’t answer. He just sat there staring at the door and walked through the door his bride ran through the door his lies had opened.
And for the first time in his life, he felt truly alone. Chik sat alone on the edge of the wedding stage, staring at nothing. His white eggard, once shining and smooth, now had folds from where he had slouched. The golden embroidery looked dull. The hall, once filled with noise and laughter, had turned cold and empty. Even the waiters were packing trays in silence.
He couldn’t feel his fingers. His ears were ringing. His head was heavy. What had just happened? How did everything fall apart in one day? Connell, his best man, came and sat beside him. He had removed his cap and looked more tired than confused. “Chike,” he said carefully. “Chike didn’t answer.” Cunnel continued.
