I just wanted you to know.

Goi didn’t reply for a long time.

She looked at her hands, then at the pot of rice, then at him.

I’m scared, she whispered.

I know, Emma said gently.

But I’m not chike.

I won’t break your heart.

It took months, but eventually Gozi said yes to coffee.

Then to dinner, then to long walks on Sunday evenings.

And one day, as they sat under a tree near the park, she looked at him and asked, “Why me?

You could have chosen anyone”.

Emma smiled.

Because you are the most real person I’ve met.

You carry pain, but you still smile.

You were broken, but you didn’t stay down.

That’s the kind of woman I want beside me.

Go’s eyes filled with tears.

She reached for his hand and held it tightly.

Then I want to try too, she said.

They got married 6 months later.

A small quiet ceremony.

No big cake, no music, just a few close friends and family.

Amaka was the loudest one there, dancing like she had just won the lottery.

I told you, she shouted.

I told you good things will still come.

Their new life was peaceful.

Emma was soft with her.

He made her laugh.

He listened to her stories.

He helped her expand her food business into a proper shop.

Every morning before work, he kissed her forehead and said, “I love you, my queen”.

For the first time in years, felt safe.

And then the unexpected happened.

One morning, she woke up feeling strange.

Her body was weak.

She couldn’t stand for too long.

The smell of stew made her sick.

She brushed it off.

Maybe it was malaria.

But when it continued for 2 weeks, Emma said, “Let’s go to the hospital”.

At the clinic, they ran tests.

She waited on the bench, biting her nails.

The nurse returned with a wide smile.

“Congratulations, madam,” she said.

“You’re pregnant”?

N Goi froze.

“Pregnant”?

“Yes”.

The nurse nodded.

“3 weeks”?

N Goi covered her mouth, tears pouring from her eyes.

Emma jumped to his feet.

“Pregnant?

Are you serious”?

The nurse laughed.

“Very serious”?

He turned to Goi, pulled her up, and hugged her tightly.

“You’re going to be a mother,” he whispered.

“We’re going to be parents”.

Goi couldn’t stop crying.

The joy was too much.

She held his shirt and cried like a baby.

The months that followed were full of excitement, but the biggest surprise came during her scan.

As the doctor moved the probe over her belly, his eyes widened.

“Madam, there are three heartbeats”.

Goi sat up.

Three.

Yes, the doctor said.

You’re carrying triplets.

She screamed.

The whole hospital probably heard her.

When they got home, Emma knelt and cried.

God, you’ve done too much.

Three children at once.

This is more than I asked for.

They prepared carefully.

Emma built a nursery.

A marker came to help.

The neighbors brought gifts.

And on a calm Saturday morning, Goi gave birth to three healthy boys.

Tears flowed freely.

The nurses clapped.

The doctor smiled and Emma couldn’t stop laughing.

“They look like you,” he said, holding one of the babies.

“But I’m keeping this one.

His ears look like mine”.

Goi held all three to her chest, crying silently.

“I’m not barren,” she whispered.

“God proved them wrong.

Word spread fast.

People from her old street came to see the miracle.

Even some of Chik’s friends heard about it.

She had triplets, they asked.

That woman that Chike threw out.

Yes, someone would reply.

She even opened a new restaurant.

Her husband is rich and kind.

Some people smiled with joy.

Others shook their heads with regret.

But Nosi wasn’t thinking about the past anymore.

She was holding her sons.

She was kissing Emma.

She was feeding her babies in the early hours of the morning, smiling at their tiny hands and soft cries.

Her scars were still there, but now her life had changed.

She was no longer the broken woman crying on the street.

She was a mother.

She was whole.

She was free.

While Ngoi was learning how to hold a baby with one hand and feed two others with the other hand, far away in another part of town, Chaik was sitting inside his office, spinning slowly in his leather chair and looking at his phone screen.

His business had grown.

The company cars were newer, his clothes were more expensive, and his bank account was bigger.

But there was one thing that still troubled his heart.

Something that money couldn’t buy.

He was still without a child.

After throwing Gozi out, he had expected his life to move on quickly.

He believed once he got a new woman, one who could give him children, everything would fall into place.

But it didn’t.

He had dated three different women in the last 3 years.

None of them got pregnant.

One even left him after a year, saying she couldn’t live in a house where the man’s mother treated her like a baby factory.

His mother, Mamaike, was now older, but still sharp with her tongue.

You’re not serious.

She always said you’re choosing fashion over family.

When I picked Gozi for you, I told you to be patient.

You were the one who ran her off.

Chik would always grow angry.

Don’t mention that woman to me again.

But late at night when everyone had gone home and the house was quiet, his mind would wander.

Where was she now?

Did she remarry?

Did she find joy?

One morning while scrolling through Instagram, he saw a picture that froze him.

A baby’s leg.

Then another photo.

Tiny fingers holding a woman’s thumb.

He stared at the pictures trying to be sure.

The hand in the photo looked like noes.

The skin, the way she held the baby.

It couldn’t be.

No, it’s just coincidence, he told himself.

But he kept thinking about it.

So he decided to block it out with something stronger.

Another woman.

That same week, his friend Kunnel called him.

Guy, there’s someone you need to meet, Kunnel said over the phone.

Who?

Chik asked lazily.

Her name is Adora.

She just moved back from Lagos.

Fashion designer, rich family, very fine, very classy.

And guess what?

She wants a serious man.

Not just all those Instagram boys.

Chik laughed.

You’re selling her like she’s a car.

I’m serious.

Cunnel said she’s different.

You’ll like her.

Chik sighed.

Fine.

Set it up.

They met at a fancy restaurant two nights later.

Adora was exactly as described.

Tall, beautiful, with long curly hair and nails painted gold.

She wore a gown that looked like it came straight from Paris.

But what caught Chik’s attention wasn’t her looks.

It was the way she spoke.

Confident, bold, like someone who knew what she wanted.

“So, you’re the famous Chike,” she said with a small smile, swirling her wine glass.

“And you’re the Adora everyone keeps talking about,” he replied.

They spoke for 2 hours about business, about travel, about life.

But the topic Chik brought up almost by force was family.

“I’ve been ready for children since forever,” he said.

“I just haven’t found the right woman,” Adora raised her brow.

“You were married before, right”?

“Yes,” Chike said quickly.

“But she she couldn’t give me a child.

We tried for years”.

Adora said nothing.

She just nodded.

Then she smiled again.

I’m not in a hurry, but I do want children.

Maybe two or three.

Chik’s heart jumped.

Same here.

Within a month, they were seen together everywhere.

At weddings, at business launches, even at church, people started whispering.

Chik has finally moved on.

He started spoiling her, buying her dresses, phones, even a car.

One day, Adora said, “Let’s not waste time.

If we’re serious, let’s do it”.

“Do what”?

Chik asked.

“Marriage,” she said, sipping her juice like it was nothing.

Chik stared at her.

“You’re ready”.

“I’m a grown woman,” she said.

“I know what I want.

I don’t believe in dating for 10 years.

If you want me, show me.

That night, Chike called his event planner.

The wedding preparations began immediately.

Everything had to be perfect.

It was going to be the biggest wedding in town.

Red carpet, Rolls-Royce, a live band from Ghana, guests flying in from Abuja and Dubai.

Chik was obsessed with making the wedding grand.

not just for love, but to prove something to his friends, to his mother, to the world.

He wanted everyone to see that he had moved on, that his life was better without Enozi.

And deep down, a small voice whispered.

He wanted Enozi to see it, too.

One afternoon, as he sat with the wedding planner going through the guest list, Chik paused.

“Add one more name,” he said.

“Who”?

the planner asked.

He picked up a pen and wrote it himself.

Go ease.

The planner raised her brow.

Your ex-wife.

Chik didn’t explain.

He just smiled coldly.

Send her the invite.

First class.

I want her to be there.

Front seat.

Meanwhile, Adora was planning her own side of things.

She had ordered her wedding gown from a designer in Milan.

The lace cost more than some people’s cars.

Her bridesmaids were already rehearsing their dance steps.

Her bridal shower was to be held at a beach resort.

To the world, she was glowing.

But behind closed doors, Adora was getting worried.

She had been trying to get pregnant for months.

Nothing.

Every morning, she checked her calendar.

Every evening, she stared at test kits.

All negative.

She hadn’t told Chik yet.

She was afraid.

and her mother’s voice kept ringing in her head.

Are you sure this man is not the one with the problem?

Two weeks before the wedding, Adora finally brought it up.

They were lying on the bed going through some photos on her phone.

She said quietly, “Chike, do you ever think about seeing a doctor”?

Chik looked at her.

“Why”?

“For checkup,” she said carefully.

“Just to be sure everything is fine before we marry”.

He frowned.

What do you mean by that?

I mean, she hesitated.

We’ve been together for months.

No pregnancy.

Chik stood up slowly.

So, you think I’m the problem?

No, no, she said quickly.

I’m just saying maybe we both check together.

Chik’s face turned cold.

You sound just like Gozi, he said sharply, blaming me, making me feel like I’m broken.

Adora sat up.

I didn’t say that.

He grabbed his shirt.

Let’s not talk about this again ever.

Adora said nothing, but inside a new kind of fear was growing.

Chik continued the wedding plans like nothing happened.

He told his friends, “This wedding will shake the city.

I want my ex to see what real success looks like”.

His friend Cunnel laughed.

“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.

Everyone talked about how the wedding was the event of the year.

The venue was a giant hall near the waterfront.

Long red carpets covered the entrance.

Cameras flashed everywhere.

Guests walked in with glittering clothes and sunglasses.

Big politicians and business moguls sat at the front.

Inside, Adora stood before the mirror in her hotel room, her white gown sparkling like ice.

Her best friend, U adjusted her veil.

You look stunning, Chik will fall in love all over again.

Adora smiled weakly.

I hope so.

But in her heart, she still carried fear.

No pregnancy, no answers, and a man who refused to get tested.

Chik stood at the altar looking around the decorated hall.

He wore a white abada with gold embroidery, his shoes polished like glass.

He kept checking his watch.

Kunnel came to stand beside him.

Why are you restless?

I’m waiting for someone.

Chik said, “Who”?

He didn’t answer.

Then suddenly his eyes caught movement near the entrance.

A black Rolls-Royce pulled up.

The back door opened slowly.

outstepped and gozy.

She wore the yellow gown like a queen, her face calm, her steps sure, and beside her walked three small boys dressed like angels.

The hall went silent.

People gasped.

Phones came out.

Who is that?

Wait, is that his ex-wife?

She has triplets.

The whispers spread like wildfire.

Chik couldn’t breathe.

He grabbed Kunnel’s hand.

Tell me I’m dreaming.

Cunnel blinked.

Bro, she has children.

Chik stepped down from the altar, walking forward like someone in a trance.

N Goi walked slowly, gracefully, holding her son’s hands.

Her eyes met his, but they didn’t shake.

She smiled, a soft, simple smile.

The crowd parted as she walked to her seat, the front row.

The seat chike had reserved for her.

She sat down quietly.

Her boys climbed onto her lap and whispered, “Mommy, we made it”.

She nodded and kissed their heads.

Adora entered the hall shortly after, her veil over her face.

She noticed the silence.

She noticed the faces.

She noticed Chik standing stiff at the front, his eyes frozen.

She reached the altar and whispered, “What’s going on”?

Chik couldn’t speak.

The pastor cleared his throat, “Shall we begin”?

But Chik wasn’t listening.

His eyes were still on on the children.

On the truth.

Back in her seat, Amaka whispered, “Do you want to leave now”?

Goi shook her head.

“No, we’ll stay till the end”.

Her voice was calm.

Her heart was calm.

She wasn’t here to destroy anything.

She was here to be seen, to be heard.

Without a word, the wedding hall had gone from loud to quiet in just a few minutes.

All the music, all the camera flashes, and all the laughter had paused.

The guests didn’t know whether to sit still or turn around.

Some held their phones midair, mouths slightly open, while others simply stared at the woman who just walked in like the wind had changed direction.

Nosei sat at the front, exactly where Chike had planned for her to sit, but not the way he had imagined.

She wasn’t weeping in shame.

She wasn’t looking bitter or defeated.

She sat with calm pride, dressed in yellow, glowing like sunrise.

On each side of her sat her sons, triplets, boys with smooth brown skin and wide, curious eyes.

Their shirts were white, tucked neatly into yellow shorts.

One of them had a toy car in his hand.

The other two were whispering to each other and smiling.

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