But looking at the photos, Tunde said, “I wish your face was clearly visible in these. You looked really beautiful that day.”

Hearing Tunde’s words, Gold was surprised. “What? But… how do you know? I mean, you didn’t even talk to me properly that day.”

“Yes, I know. I was very angry but I did see your face here at home that day, after your house entry ceremony. I know I spoke to you very rudely in those days but today, when I remember that day, I recall your face. You didn’t wear much makeup, yet you looked incredibly beautiful as a bride. Maybe my words are making you uncomfortable, but the truth is the truth. I am not afraid to speak my mind.”

Hearing Tunde’s words, Gold felt very happy. She was overjoyed to realize that Tunde had noticed her. She felt like asking him at that very moment whether he was willing to give this relationship a chance. Could he accept her love? But she said nothing, just kept smiling—as if their hearts were understanding unspoken words.

A soft smile also appeared on Tunde’s lips as he moved a little closer to Gold. Their eyes met and just as Gold was about to say something, Tunde’s phone rang, bringing them both back to reality.

Tunde took out his phone and declined the call. The atmosphere between them had become very complicated. Gold was feeling extremely happy, thinking that Tunde might give this marriage a chance. On the other hand, Tunde started wondering why he was trying to get close to Gold. Why was his heart constantly pulling him toward her?

But to normalize the situation, he asked Gold, “By the way, where did you get these photos from?”

“Bukola gave them to me this morning after you left. She said a courier had arrived in your name. I thought I would give them to you in the evening when you came back, so I kept them safely in the wardrobe, but I completely forgot.” Gold replied.

“Oh… yeah, the studio guy sent them.” Tunde said.

“I see…”

Once again, an awkward atmosphere started building between them, but Gold broke it by saying, “Come on, let’s go downstairs. Everyone must be waiting for us for dinner.”

“Yes, you’re right… let’s go.” Tunde said.

Tunde and Gold both come downstairs together. Seeing them, Mother teases them, saying, “Oh child, you two came down so quickly. We thought it would take a bit longer, considering you both went together.”

Hearing this, Tunde and Gold look at each other. Tunde immediately responds, “What Mother, anything…”

“You stole my thoughts, Mother, Tunde you came back so soon.” Olamide also teased them.

Tunde glared at him, “Shut up… I’ll deal with you later.”

Aisha stopped them, “Enough, both of you and just eat your food now.”

Just then, Father’s phone rings. He picks up the phone and after talking for a while, he tells Gold, “Gold, here’s a phone call for you from Michael Okafor (Gold’s uncle). He’s saying that he hasn’t been able to talk to you for a while and today when he tried calling, your phone was off so he was worried about you. Here, talk to him.”

Gold takes the phone from Father and steps aside to talk, so as not to disturb anyone.

Gold – “Yes uncle, sorry. You know, the engagement preparations are going on here, so I couldn’t call you and my phone ran out of battery, that’s why you couldn’t get through.”

Hearing Gold’s voice, Michael feels relieved.

Michael – “No worries, child. I just wanted to know if you’re fine and happy.”

Gold – “I’m fine, uncle…”

Michael – “And your happiness? Are you happy?”

Gold – “To be honest, I wasn’t happy at first. I was really scared in this new place but now that I’m getting to know this family, I feel like…”

Michael – “What happened, Gold? What’s wrong? Is there any problem?”

Gold – “Thank you so much uncle, for getting me married into such a good family. Everyone here is really kind and loves me a lot. I’m really happy here.”

Michael – “Well then, how could I let anything wrong happen to my daughter? I’m also very happy to know that you’re happy there. And how’s Tunde? Is he still angry with you?”

Gold – “No… now he has become my friend.”

Michael – “And what about your relationship with him as husband and wife…”

Gold – “We share a friendship uncle and believe me, I have no problem with him. He is very nice. Now, don’t worry too much about me and take care of your health. When are you coming to visit me?”

Michael – “Oh yes, I was calling to tell you that. You see, me and your aunt have to go to Egypt for a few days, it’s very urgent.”

Gold – “When are you leaving? And when will you be back?”

Michael – “The flight is in two days and we’ll be back in a few months. I just wanted to tell you to take care of yourself here and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”

Gold – “Okay, take care and come back soon. I’ll talk to Tunde and if possible, before you leave, I’ll come to meet you with him.”

Michael – “Okay, child, take care.”

Gold – “Uncle wait…”

Michael – “What happened?”

Gold – “umm…Amara… have you found out anything about her? Where is she? And how is she? Has she come back home?”

Michael – “No… there’s no news about her and she hasn’t come back home. She called her mother once and said that she’s fine but can’t come back yet. Even if she comes, I don’t want to talk to her. And don’t worry about her. Focus on your own life, okay?”

Gold – “Okay, fine.”

Saying this, she hangs up the phone and turns to go back to the dining table but Tunde is standing right behind her, so she gets startled.

Gold asked him, “What happened?”

“Everyone is calling you. Eat first, then you can talk.” Tunde replied.

Gold nods in agreement and both return to the dining table and sit down. Gold’s gaze is fixed on Tunde as she tries to read the emotions on his face.

She is confused, wondering if Tunde has heard her conversation about Amara, and if he has, does it still matter to him as much? Gold is tangled in these questions, but she can’t find any answers.

The rest of the story in the next chapter