Aduni tapped away at the delivery documents, her eyes flicking between the text on her screen and the message Tade had just sent. His words were light, teasing, with that perfect mix of charm and flirtation that always managed to make her smile, even on the busiest of days.
"Did you miss me yet? I know you do. Come on, admit it."
She couldn't help but smile at his message, shaking her head slightly. He had that ability to throw her off balance in the best way, like a breeze of something fresh in the middle of a suffocating day.
She typed out a reply, "Miss you? I've been too busy for that."
Her finger hovered over the screen, hesitating before hitting send. Was she lying? Maybe a little. But she couldn't admit how much of her time, her thoughts, were already tangled in his presence, even if it was through texts.
Just as she was about to press send, her phone buzzed with a call.
Ronke.
Aduni glanced at the name and answered quickly, tucking the phone between her shoulder and ear as she continued working.
"Hey, Ronke! How's the newlywed life treating you?" she asked, keeping her tone light.
Ronke's voice, usually so upbeat, was softer this time, like she was trying to hide something behind her words. "Aduni… I'm not sure how to say this, but I've got some news. I'm pregnant."
Aduni paused, the words hitting her like a sudden downpour. "Wait, what?"
Ronke chuckled nervously. "I know, it's a bit of a shocker, huh? Honestly, I didn't expect it this soon. We're still figuring things out, still recovering from the wedding. But now this..."
Aduni leaned back in her chair, trying to process the news, her fingers stopping mid-type. "Wow, I didn't see that coming. You guys weren't planning for this?"
Ronke let out a heavy sigh. "We weren't, no. But now it's here, and I don't know what to think. His view on this whole thing is… different. He's excited. But I'm not. Not yet. And what makes it worse is that he's suggested I stop working. He didn't ask, Aduni. It was more like a command."
Aduni's eyebrows furrowed as she listened. "Stop working? He thinks that's the solution?"
Ronke's voice dropped lower, tinged with a frustration Aduni could hear clearly. "Yeah, that's what he thinks. He says he'll take care of everything. But I don't want to be tied down just yet. I haven't even settled into being married, and now this? I'm scared, Aduni. I feel like I'm losing myself."
Aduni shook her head even though Ronke couldn't see it. "Ronke, you fasted and prayed for this man. You went to the mountains for this marriage. You wanted this marriage, right? But I guess you didn't think you'd end up in this kind of situation."
Ronke laughed weakly. "I guess I didn't."
"Marriage is not a 'do as I say' kind of thing. But let's not act like you have no say in this. You need to do what's best for you, girl," Aduni replied, her voice firm now. "I know you love him, but you also need to love yourself enough to not be anyone's prisoner, not even his. If you don't want to stop working, don't."
"But… if I don't, what happens to us? What will he think?" Ronke's voice trembled slightly, uncertainty dripping from her every word.
Aduni let out a small, amused laugh. "Oh please, what he thinks is irrelevant if it means compromising your happiness. You've got options, Ronke. Look at me I've built a career without needing to bend to anyone's expectations. Why can't you do the same? Get an online job. A stay-at-home job. Something that allows you to stay connected with your work while also caring for the baby if you decide to go ahead with it."
Ronke was quiet for a moment, clearly considering her words. "You think that'll work? I mean, I never thought about that."
"I know you didn't. But you're not just someone's wife, Ronke. You're Ronke. You have a voice, and your dreams matter. Don't let the weight of a baby or your marriage crush them. Do what you want, but make sure you're on top of it."
"Thanks, Aduni," Ronke replied, her voice softer, more thoughtful now. "You always know what to say."
"Well, I try. Just don't let him boss you around, okay?"
"I won't. I'll figure it out."
The call ended, leaving Aduni staring at her screen, pondering her friend's future. It wasn't easy marriage was never easy but Ronke needed to carve her own path before she was buried under everyone else's expectations.
Before she could think much longer, her phone buzzed again. This time it was Suzan.
"Hello, Aduni," Suzan's voice was sweet, but there was an edge of business in it. "I wanted to discuss the logistics plan. How are things progressing?"
Aduni went into work mode instantly, her tone switching to professional. "Things are moving forward better than we anticipated. The recent developments are bringing in good results, and we're on track to meet the goals we set."
"That's fantastic to hear," Suzan replied, sounding pleased. "I knew you'd pull it off. Anyway, I wanted to invite you to Abel's birthday dinner. It's going to be a special one, and I've got a little surprise planned for him. You know, since you and Abel are childhood friends, you should be there. Help him celebrate. Make him happy."
Aduni paused for a moment. Abel. Suzan. The whole thing still felt a little strange, especially after that last encounter.
But her curiosity got the better of her. "I'll be there," she said, not giving much more away.
Later that evening, Aduni arrived at the dinner.
The atmosphere was vibrant, a far cry from the weight of her family drama. The room was full of laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft hum of background music. It was a picture-perfect scene, a moment that seemed to exist only in the kind of world where everyone was at peace.
And then she spotted him , Tade, leaning casually against the bar, talking animatedly with some of Abel's friends. His presence was like a magnet, drawing her in despite the chaos swirling around her mind. She made her way over, her lips curling into a small, genuine smile.
"Well, well," Tade grinned at her as she approached. "Didn't know you were going to make an appearance. I was starting to think I'd have to save all the Demon Slayer talk for myself."
Aduni chuckled. "You'd survive. But I wouldn't want to disappoint."
They traded a few more jokes about the next episode of Demon Slayer, sharing an ease that felt good amidst the tension she carried with her. It was rare to have this kind of peace.
Then, everything shifted.
Suzan stood up from her seat, and the room went quiet. There was something in the air, an energy that couldn't be ignored.
She turned to Abel, her eyes filled with something Aduni couldn't quite read. And then, in front of everyone, Suzan dropped to one knee.
"Abel," she began, her voice surprisingly steady.
"We've been through a lot together, and I think we both know how much I love you. I know it's a bit sudden, but I can't be at ease till I have you all for myself. I love you so much and you know it. So, I'm asking will you marry me?"
The entire room froze.
Aduni blinked, her heart stopping for a moment as she watched Abel's face. There was a long silence. Tension crackled in the air like static before Abel finally spoke.
"Suzan…" His voice was low, almost hesitant. "I… I can't."
Suzan's eyes widened. The room held its breath.
"I can't marry you," Abel repeated, his voice more firm now, as he stood up, his gaze never leaving Suzan's face.
Aduni's mind raced. What had just happened? What was going on between them? And why had Abel rejected the proposal?