Linda, you're twenty-six. What exactly are you waiting for?
My mother's voice sliced through the dining room like a knife.
I dropped my fork slowly and looked around the table.
My father sat quietly, pretending not to notice the tension. My younger brother kept his eyes on his food like this was none of his business.
Typical.
Every Sunday after church, we had family lunch.
And every Sunday, my mother found a new way to remind me that I was still unmarried.
"I'm building an empire, Mum," I said calmly.
She scoffed. "Money is not everything. A woman needs a husband."
If only she knew.
If only she knew that the reason I avoided every man she introduced was because no man had ever made my heart race.
She didn't know that ,I mean how could I possibly tell her that her only daughter doesn't like men,how can I tell her that I have found the one for me and it's a lady like myself.
No!!! Mum wouldn't take that well.
She wouldn't be able to deal with the fact that her daughter whom she adores so well is a lesbian.So instead, I smiled.
"I'll get married soon, Mum. I promise. Don't worry your pretty mind with things like that."
Darling you should allow her to eat,Dad said while scooping a spoon full of salad and feeding her with it,and like that everywhere was quiet once again.
I would be traveling back to Lagos tomorrow. I had been staying with my parents for three months, and already, I was counting down the days until I could leave,thank God the time is finally right.
My penthouse was under renovation, and what was supposed to be a two-week stay had somehow stretched into three months.we kept eating silently and my phone buzzed beside my plate for the third time—my assistant updating me about a delayed shipment. I ignored it. For once, I wanted one peaceful meal.mum asked if there was a problem and I brushed it off with "it's nothing mum".well to me it was really nothing I should use this opportunity to rest fully before going back tomorrow.
The house was finally quiet in that soft, comforting way that only comes after a long day.
I had just finished clearing the table, stacking the plates neatly in the sink. The clink of cutlery faded as I rinsed my hands and wiped down the kitchen counter. Everything smelled fresh again—soap, lemon, and a hint of lunch still lingering in the air.
From the living room, the TV flickered on, casting a warm glow across the space. I adjusted the cushions on the sofa, making it comfortable, then grabbed the remote and scrolled through movie options without really committing yet.
Mum and dad had excused them after lunch and went into there room.
My brother had also excused himself earlier. "I need to read," he had said, disappearing into his room with his books. Year one of medical school wasn't easy for him, and tonight was one of those serious study nights.
The quiet hum of the house made everything feel peaceful. No noise, no rush—just calm.
I finally picked a movie, letting it play while I settled into the sofa. The room dimmed slightly as evening crept in, the screen lighting up my face.
For a moment, I just sat there, enjoying the stillness. The kitchen was clean, the house was in order, my brother was focused in his room,my parents were in theirs, and I finally had time to breathe.
It felt like one of those simple, perfect afternoons—nothing dramatic, just home feeling right. I don't know how long I stayed for or when I slept off .My phone buzzed nonstop waking me up with a jolt , it was my assistant again. I picked up the call and she said that she informed me on the recent development at the boutique and the problems that needed settling and I informed her if my coming back tomorrow the call lasted for about 30minutes.
Mum sighed and shook her head as she walked down the stairs.
"You work too much. Maybe that's your problem."
I forced a smile, too tired to argue.
Before I could reply, the doorbell rang.
Mum's face lit up instantly.
"That must be them."
"Them?" I frowned.
She strolled to the door excitedly, smoothing her gown, I wondered why she was dressed up
"My friend from London is visiting. She came with her daughter."
I barely looked up. "That's nice."
Mum gave me a knowing look.
"Her daughter is around your age. Very beautiful. Very well-mannered."
I nearly laughed.
Of course.
Even surprise visitors were now part of her matchmaking plans.
I stood up to leave before she could say more.
But before I could even reach the stairs,I froze.
She was standing by the window.
Tall. Elegant. Effortlessly beautiful.
Her dark curls fell over one shoulder as she turned at the sound of my footsteps.
And when her eyes met mine, the room suddenly felt too small.
She smiled.
"Hi. You must be Linda."