Chapter 6: Rejection and Healing
I tried to grasp the situation, but my mind was a swirling vortex of confusion. Who should I choose? Should I forgive? The questions clawed at me, unanswered.
The next day, I sought solace in a nearby church. After the service, I knelt, praying for God's guidance. A small girl, her eyes bright despite the worn clothes clinging to her thin frame, approached me. "Hello, ma'am," she whispered.
"Hello, sweetheart. Who are you?"
"You don't need to know," she replied, her voice surprisingly strong. "All I want to tell you is that God loves you, and He's always there for you. His ways may be different, but He never disappoints."
Her words struck a chord. Amazement washed over me. "Thank you," I breathed. As she turned to leave, I called her back, offering her some money. She hesitated, her eyes wide, but I insisted. The relief on her face as she accepted was heartwarming. I watched her walk away before heading home, her small figure a poignant reminder of faith and hope. The girl's words echoed in my mind – God's ways are not like ours.
Arriving home, I found Adeoti and Jasmine in deep conversation. Instead of entering, I paused by the doorway, listening.
"Please, help me beg your mom," Adeoti pleaded. "I know I've wronged her, but I was deceived, too."
Jasmine's voice was firm but laced with compassion. "You hurt my mummy so much. You're the reason why she cries every night. I'm sorry, but I'll help you on two conditions: you plead for yourself, and you make amends for your mistakes."
"I will," Adeoti promised. Then, a hesitant question: "Are you really my daddy? Like, really really?"
Adeoti sighed, a mixture of relief and sadness in his voice. "Yes, I am. And I'm so sorry for not being there for you."
"Okay," Jasmine said softly. "Can I have a hug?"
The hug between father and daughter was tender, a silent reconciliation that tugged at my heartstrings. My own heart, though, remained fractured.
I entered the house. "Jasmine! Mummy's home," I said, forcing a smile. "How are you, my baby?"
"I'm fine," Jasmine replied, her eyes still a little downcast.
Adeoti stood up. "I should go."
"Bye, Daisy," he said, his voice a little shaky.
"Bye," I replied, my voice barely a whisper.
After he left, I retreated to my room, resuming the work I'd been arranging. A while later, Jasmine found me.
"Mom, can I talk to you?"
"Yes, my dear."
"Mum, don't you think you should forgive him?"
"Who exactly?" I raised an eyebrow, trying to mask the turmoil within.
"Mr. Adeoti! He seems like a nice man, and he's willing to make amends."
"Jasmine, I don't know yet! Everything is still so confusing."
"Mummy, I have a request, and I promise you'll fulfill it for me!"
"And what's that?"
"Mr. Adeoti invited us to meet his family, and I promise you'll go!"
"Jasmine, I can't," I said, my voice firm.
"Please, Mummy!" she pleaded.
"Go to bed. You have school tomorrow." She grumbled and retreated to her room.
The next day, Mimi burst into my room. "Ma, Jasmine refuses to go to school! She's locked herself in her room and won't see anyone!"
I rushed downstairs and knocked on Jasmine's door. "Jasmine, open the door! Mummy wants to see you!"
"No! If you promise to go to the event, then I'll open the door. Otherwise, I'm not going anywhere."
I held my head in my hands. God, I thought, Jasmine is driving me crazy! Just then, Adeoti arrived.
"Hello, Daisy! How are you?"
I didn't respond. "Where's Jasmine?" he asked.
"She asked me to drop her at school today. She locked herself in her room."
"Why?"
"She said your family planned an event, and she wants me to attend!"
"What have you been telling her? Why are you turning my daughter against me? First, you almost destroyed my life, and now you're after my daughter!"
He was speechless. "Daisy, I'm just trying to make amends. I didn't turn her against you."
Just then, Jasmine emerged from her room. "Mummy, I'm sorry."
I hugged her tearfully. "Why did you do that? You scared me."
"I'm sorry. I just wanted him to make amends and make you happy."
"Don't do that again! You hear me?"
"Yes, Ma."
She turned to Adeoti. "Sir, explain and apologize to her."
She went back into her room. Adeoti turned to me. "Daisy, can I speak to you for a moment?"
"What is it?" I replied, my tone still sharp with anger.
"I'm sorry for what I did to you. I honestly loved you, and I still do, but I was deceived. The truth is, I never meant to take advantage of you. Your friend, Sandra…"
"Sandra?" I asked, confused.
"Yes, Sandra. She came to see me before the party and said you told her I was a weakling who couldn't keep a woman, that you aborted babies daily, and that you were throwing your life away. She said you were pretending to be a good girl—that it was all a charade."
My jaw dropped. "What? Where? How?" I stammered. "How could she do this to me?"
"I was furious, and I drugged you, only to discover you were still intact. I was remorseful and came to find you, but Sandra said you'd left for the States! I confronted her, and she admitted she liked me first and that you'd snatched me away from her."
Why? Why would she do this to me? I never did anything but love her.
He went down on one knee. "I'm so sorry, Daisy. Please forgive me. I didn't know what to do!" He kept apologizing.
"I'm willing to forgive you, but it won't be easy. Make amends, and then I'll decide."
"Thank you so much!"
"Mummy!" Jasmine screamed from the kitchen. "What are we having for breakfast? I'm hungry!"
"Mimi!" I called. "What are we having? Tea and bread with omelets!"
Adeoti had breakfast with us before leaving. Later, I went to my fashion store with Mimi after dropping Jasmine off at school. Sales were brisk, but I couldn't shake Adeoti's words. Was he telling the truth? If so, why would Sandra do this? What was her motive?
In the afternoon, Adeoti came to my store with Jasmine. He brought lunch; the affection between father and daughter was touching. Jasmine seemed genuinely happy to have a father. They talked and played games all afternoon. As I closed up for the day, he was about to leave when I stopped him.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Jasmine, wait in the car with Mimi."
"Okay, Ma."
When she was gone, I sighed. "Are you telling the truth about Sandra, or are you doing this to get into my life?"
"No, I'm not! Daisy, I have evidence to prove it." He showed me a voice recording. It was true.
I broke down in tears. "Why? Why? Is it so bad to have a friend?"
"I'm sorry, Daisy."
"It's fine. Goodbye." I said and left.
The following days, Jasmine grew closer to her dad. He took her to school, bought her gifts, took her to amusement parks and kids' shows, and even introduced her to his family. I began to reconsider Adeoti: maybe he had changed. But doubt lingered. I needed time. We went on dates, talked for hours. He was truly making amends.
One evening, at an eatery, he knelt before me. "Have you forgiven me?"
"Yes, I have."
"Then, will you marry me? Be the bone of my bone? Make me the happiest man on earth? I'm willing to do anything for you. I'll make you happy."
"I don't know what to say…"
"Mummy, say yes!" Jasmine screamed from a distance.
"Yes, I will." He slipped the ring onto my finger and hugged me.
"Thank you. I love you!"
"Me too."
Jasmine and Mimi rushed over. "Congratulations, Ma! Thank you. I'm so happy for you, Mummy!"
We celebrated with ice cream—a Jasmine essential.
That night, I called my parents. They were overjoyed. I told them about Sandra. My mother said, "Every disappointment has a blessing."
We began wedding preparations. Since we couldn't have a traditional wedding, Adeoti's family paid the bride price. My mother… Nigerian mothers and the most expensive asoebi! I tried to choose, but my mother and Adeoti's mother wouldn't settle for less. Adeoti insisted on ordering my wedding dress. Jasmine was the excited little bride.
A day before our departure to Nigeria, I sat on the veranda, reflecting. Coming to Italy had been the best decision. I found love and passion in fashion design. I thought of my baby girl; I never regretted having her. She was my blessing. It was a peaceful night; I slept soundly.
The flight to Nigeria was smooth. We laughed and smiled. I asked Mimi to be my chief bridesmaid. She'd helped me care for Jasmine and given me honest advice. We received a warm welcome.
"Nigeria has really changed," I said to my mother.
"But you, Mom, haven't changed a bit!" she laughed. "That's why I'm your mother."
Finally, it was my wedding day. I was nervous, but Jasmine reassured me. "Mummy, you look beautiful. You don't have to worry!"
After exchanging vows, a sense of relief washed over me. As we headed home after the reception, I said to Adeoti, "Honey, I feel more than happy, at peace with myself."
"Me too! The gnawing guilt is gone."
"I love you so much, my Daisy!"
"Me too
TBC
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