tation, and that small detail made her stomach twist. She stepped out slowly, her bag hanging from her shoulder, hea

trolled. A housemaid led her to the sitting room and left without a word. Chief Fredrick Mba was

ame" h

would" sh

r hands betrayed her nerves. She

opposite him. "Would you

quickly. "Let

for a moment before spe

of thinking, tired of trying

said calmly. "Thinking does

"And what fact

er's future depends on stability. You are carrying responsibilit

like a punch. "So this is the pa

part where you decide whet

ed. "You make i

he replied. "But

he polished floor, her reflection faint beneath her feet. "If

nd comfortable. Your family will be secure, yo

get?" she asked

ily. "Companionship,

terly. "That's a clean

ne" he said. "I in

feelings don't ma

hat's why I don't pretend

o love isn't par

. "Not yet. B

the flat that always seemed to be one bill away from disaster. She looked at him and r

she whispered, a

en we understand each other.

ose felt the weight of her decision settle on her chest. She had chosen safety over freedom,

ced her as his fiancée. Guests' eyes followed her. Smiles hid curiosity. Conversat

e city lights. Messages and congratulations buzzed on her phone, but she ignor

to herself, "I've said

ently, knowing that once a woman agrees under