For a moment, Chika could not even speak. A simple farmer, even a rich one, should not have had this level of influence. Something about Obinna was still hidden. She was sure of it now. But just as happiness was beginning to settle properly in her heart, her father dragged her back into pain. He sent word that she must come for Kemi’s wedding ceremony.
At first, it sounded like a family duty. Something she could endure and leave behind. But Obinna did not trust it. Still, Chika went. Because part of her wanted to believe her father could not sink lower than he already had. She was wrong. From the moment she arrived, something felt off. She was not welcomed warmly.
She was not even treated like the bride’s sister. Instead, she was kept away from the main guests, almost hidden, as if her presence would embarrass the family. The message was clear. Kemi was now the important one. Chika with her village husband was to remain out of sight. The humiliation stung. Then the real reason came out.
Her father called her aside with documents already prepared. He wanted her to sign away her inheritance rights so that everything would go to Kemi. Chika stared at him. For a second, she could not speak. Then she said slowly, “So this was the reason you called me here?” Mr.
Obiora looked tired, but not ashamed enough. “Kemi needs the protection more.” He said. “She married into a rich family. She must secure her place there. You are in the village now. You don’t need much.” The words broke something in Chika. Even now. Even after everything. He was still choosing Kemi openly. Tears burned her eyes, but she held them back.
“That property was left to me by my mother.” She said. “Not by you. You cannot force me to give it away.” His face hardened. “Don’t speak to me like that.” “Then stop treating me like I have no rights.” Before things could go further, Obinna stepped in. He had not stayed far away. The moment he sensed something was wrong, he came.
“As her husband, I need to know why you are pressuring her.” He said. Mr. Obiora looked at him with open contempt. Mostly because of everything Kemi had already filled his ears with. “This is a family matter.” He said. “It does not concern you.” “It concerns me if it concerns my wife.” Mr. Obiora gave a short, cold laugh.
“You are only talking because you think marriage into this family gives you a voice.” Obinna did not react. He only said, “She deserves what is hers.” But Mr. Obiora still saw him as just a village man. A man beneath the kind of money he respected. A man Kemi had already described as suspicious, controlling, and unworthy.
He dismissed him with his eyes. And Chika stood there once again forced to face a truth she had tried to outgrow. Her father could see her pain clearly and still choose Kemi. For a long moment, Chika said nothing. Then, under pressure, hurt, and deep disappointment, she collected the pen and signed the papers.
Her hand shook, but she signed. When she finished, she placed the pen down and looked first at her father, then at Kemi. Her voice was calm, but final. From today, act as if you never had me. The room went still. Kemi blinked. Mr. Obiora frowned. Chika. No, she said. I am done. I have given, kept quiet, forgiven, and endured for too long.
From today, you have only Kemi. Let it stay that way. She turned to her sister. You wanted everything. Take it. Then she faced her father again. But do not ever ask me for anything again. She turned and walked out before either of them could stop her. Obinna followed her at once. By the time they got into the car, Chika was no longer holding herself together.
The tears came hard and quietly. She turned her face away, ashamed to cry, but Obinna said nothing foolish. He only stayed close. When they got home, Mama Grace saw Chika’s face and understood at once that something terrible had happened. She did not ask questions first. She opened her arms. Chika went into them like a child who had been holding pain too long.
Mama Grace held her tightly. It is enough. You’re home now. That word again. Home. It broke something open inside Chika. That night, she cried properly for the first time. Not because Kemi had won, not because the inheritance was gone, but because she finally accepted that some wounds did not come from enemies.
