Chapter Fifteen

Meanwhile, the days to Bisola's wedding drew closer. Temilade had finally completed

Bisola's wedding dress and delivered it to her. The bride was thrilled, gushing about how

perfect it was.

Temilade had also completed Opeyemi's dress and her own outfit for the occasion. She sent

Opeyemi's dress to her shop, and when Opeyemi asked how much she owed her, Temilade

simply smiled.

Temilade: "Just buy me a drink to hold body. I know your situation, and I don't want to stress

you."

Opeyemi was deeply touched.

Opeyemi: "Thank you, Temi. You're a true friend. God bless you."

The day before the wedding, Temilade packed her dress and essentials and headed to

Bisola's house for the bridal night. The air was filled with excitement and chatter as the

bride's friends gathered to make final preparations. Temilade couldn't help but feel a little

wistful. Watching Bisola's joy made her think about her own life and whether she'd ever

experience such happiness.

As the night went on, she decided to shake off her thoughts and immerse herself in the

celebration. This was Bisola's moment, and she was determined to be there for her friend in

every way possible.

At Bisola's bridal night, the lively chatter and laughter of friends filled the air. Out of the eight

friends present, five were married, and they proudly flaunted their wedding rings. The sight

made Temilade's heartache just a little.

She wasn't old, and she knew that, but the deep yearning for marriage had been creeping

into her thoughts lately. Watching her friends talk about their husbands and share little

anecdotes from their married lives brought both admiration and envy. She longed to

experience that companionship, that sense of belonging.

As the conversations continued, her mind wandered to her own life. She couldn't help but

think about her ex. If he hadn't broken up with her, she might have been married by now,

enjoying the happiness her friends seemed to have. Despite the passage of time, the

heartbreak still lingered, though she did her best to hide it.

Sure, men had asked her out since then, but none of them had managed to capture her

interest. That is, until the man in the car.

She found herself thinking about him far more than she wanted to admit. His eyes, the way

he had stared at her—it was as if he had seen right through her. There was something about

him that had left a mark on her, though she hated to admit it.

Why didn't he talk to me? she thought for the hundredth time. Why didn't he ask for my

number?

Then, a more troubling thought entered her mind. Maybe he's married. The idea made her

stomach churn. If he were married, why had he been staring at her like that? What was the

point?

She sighed, shaking her head to rid herself of the thoughts. Her friends were joking about

wedding traditions now, and she tried to join in, laughing at their stories. But her heart wasn't

fully in it.

She resolved to focus on her own happiness. If fate wanted her to meet the man in the car

again, it would happen. Until then, she had to let go of the what-ifs and focus on the present.

After all, tomorrow was a big day for Bisola, and Temilade wanted to make sure her friend felt nothing but joy.

For now, her dreams of marriage could wait.

Olatunji stepped out of the Lagos airport, his carry-on bag slung over his shoulder, and

breathed in the vibrant energy of the city. He hailed a cab to Michael's house, the groom's

place, where the pre-wedding celebrations were already underway.

When he arrived, he was greeted warmly by Michael and a group of his friends. The living

room was buzzing with laughter and conversation, bottles of wine and beer scattered across

the center table. Olatunji quickly bonded with the group, their camaraderie flowing as if

they'd known each other for years.

"Michael, tomorrow is the big day, bro," one friend said, patting him on the back.

"Yeah," another chimed in. "No more girls now—focus on your wife!"

The group erupted into laughter, and Michael grinned sheepishly. "Don't worry, I'm ready for

this," he said, confidence gleaming in his eyes.

The next morning, the venue was a sight to behold. A sprawling hall decorated in gold and

white exuded elegance. Beautiful floral arrangements adorned every corner, with crystal

chandeliers casting a warm glow over the space. Tables were set with fine china, gold-plated

cutlery, and elaborate centerpieces of white roses and lilies.

The bride's family had gone all out to make the occasion memorable. Outside, traditional

drummers welcomed guests with rhythmic beats, while ushers in matching aso ebi guided

attendees to their seats.

The bride, Bisola, was a vision in a dazzling white gown that sparkled with every step she

took. Her makeup was flawless, her smile radiant, and her bridal train flowed like a river of

silk behind her. The groom, Michael, stood at the altar in a tailored navy-blue tuxedo, his

face glowing with love and anticipation.

The ceremony began with traditional rites, where the groom and his friends had to kneel

before the bride's family to formally seek their blessing. They were instructed to perform

small tasks, like presenting gifts and delivering well-rehearsed lines of respect. Laughter

erupted when one of Michael's friends stumbled through a phrase in Yoruba, earning him

playful jeers from the bride's relatives.

Next came the church service. The choir's harmonious voices filled the hall, singing hymns

that stirred the hearts of everyone present. The officiating pastor gave a heartfelt sermon on

the sanctity of marriage, and the vows exchanged between Michael and Bisola brought many guests to tears.

"By the power vested in me," the pastor announced with a triumphant smile, "I now

pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

The hall erupted in cheers and applause as Michael lifted Bisola's veil and kissed her gently.

The DJ switched gears, blasting lively music that got everyone on their feet

The reception was equally grand. Platters of jollof rice, fried rice, peppered chicken, assorted

meats, and small chops were served, along with chilled drinks. Guests danced to the

energetic beats of popular Afrobeat tracks, while the MC kept the crowd entertained with

jokes and engaging activities.

As the couple cut their wedding cake—a towering masterpiece of white and gold

tiers—Olatunji found himself scanning the crowd, and his heart skipped a beat.