Like a flower just beginning to bloom. Far away, back at the big house, Naomi was in her room, staring at the ceiling.
She smiled and whispered to herself. This man, Andrew, there’s something special about him. I think I’m in love with him.
Naomi sat up, watching as the flowers swayed gently in the breeze outside her window.
Her heart was full, but her mind was troubled. She had never felt this way before, not even in all her travels, business meetings, or the fancy parties she had attended.
Andrew. That name had taken over her thoughts, her heart, her dreams. She walked into the living room where her mother was sipping tea and reading a magazine.
“Mom,” she said, standing in front of her. Madame Tina looked up. “Naomi, you look worried.
Is everything all right?” Naomi took a deep breath. “Mom, I’m in love with Andrew.”
Madame Tina smiled and placed the cup on the table. “I knew it.” “You knew?”
Naomi asked, surprised. Madame Tina laughed softly. Of course, I see the way you blush whenever he’s around.
The way you follow him to run errands like a lost puppy. Naomi chuckled, then nodded.
Yes, Mom. I love him. I want to marry him. Her mother stood up slowly and held her hands.
My daughter, you have chosen well. He is a god-fearing man. He is respectful, well brought up, hard-working, intelligent, and handsome.
Who wouldn’t want a son-in-law like him? After all, money is not an issue in this family.
God has blessed us abundantly, and we cannot look down on anyone because of his financial status.”
Naomi smiled with relief. “Thank you, Mom.” But she paused, lowering her voice. “I don’t want to tell him because he’s the man.
If he feels the same way, then he should say it first.” Madame Tina laughed again.
“That’s correct, my daughter.” A responsible woman never chases after a man. The next day, Andrew returned from visiting his grandfather.
Naomi looked even more beautiful, like someone who had been soaked in love and joy in his absence.
He entered the house and Naomi offered to help him with one of his small bags.
“Welcome back,” she said, smiling warmly. “Thank you, Ma,” he replied. “No, no more ma.
Just call me Naomi,” she said. He smiled and nodded. “Okay, boss lady Naomi.” They both laughed.
Then Andrew summoned the courage. “Naomi, can we talk, please?” “Just 5 minutes.” “Of course,” she said, feeling butterflies in her stomach.
He led her to the small garden at the back of the house. The flowers were in full bloom.
The birds sang softly, and the sky was a soft orange. “Andrew turned to her and looked straight into her eyes.”
“Naomi,” he began, his voice shaking a little. I know this might sound funny or surprising or even foolish to you, but I can’t keep it inside anymore.
Naomi stood still, her heart racing. I am deeply in love with you, he said.
From the first day I saw you step out of the cab, the way you moved, the way you smiled, the way you cared.
I couldn’t stop thinking about you. You’ve stolen my heart, and I don’t want it back.
Andrew continued, “Life is short, and I know you’re out of my level, and I might even lose my job, but I just can’t keep this feeling inside anymore.
I wanted to know if you by any chance feel the same way about me.
Please don’t say no.” For a moment, there was silence. Naomi stood frozen. Then slowly, she stepped closer, her eyes full of emotion.
“Andrew,” she said softly. “From the first day I saw you, I fell for you, too.
But I couldn’t say it.” Why? Andrew asked surprised. She smiled. Because I’m a woman and it’s the man’s duty to say I love you first, not the woman.
Andrew laughed, tears forming in his eyes. So all this while, you loved me, too.
Naomi nodded. Yes, I just didn’t know if you felt the same. Andrew held her hands gently.
I do with all my heart. He pulled her into a warm hug, and the flowers around them seemed to dance.
