Chapter Twenty-Nine: Peter’s Public Repentance, Angela’s Silent Goodbye
The conference was packed.
Choirs from five universities.
Guest speakers from Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ghana.
Even two international gospel artistes.
It wasn't just big — it was divine.
Angela was one of the youngest panelists.
Her topic?
"Fire Without Scandal: Walking in Purpose and Purity in a Tempting Generation."
Irony?
She was the perfect candidate.
---
She walked on stage.
Poised.
Graced.
No hint of the battle she'd fought in silence for months.
She started slow.
> "I'm not here to pretend.
There were nights I prayed with worship music in my background and sin in my DM.
Days I quoted Scripture by day and craved forbidden comfort by night.
But I stayed.
In God.
In grace.
And slowly… I grew."
The crowd stood.
The thunderous applause wasn't for her beauty.
It was for her boldness.
Peter was in that crowd.
Back row.
Cap low.
Heart high.
She didn't know he came.
He didn't come to be seen.
He came to repent.
---
Afternoon session.
The conference moderator jumped on stage.
> "Before we break, someone in this hall has a testimony.
I was led to give him this moment.
Brother Peter Idu, the mic is yours."
Angela froze.
Tamara's eyes widened. "Wait… is that—?"
Angela nodded.
Calmly.
Peter walked up.
Shaky breath.
Sweaty palms.
But a voice full of remorse and revival.
---
He stood under the spotlight.
And spoke:
>>> "I hurt someone I once called a gift.
Not by cheating.
Not by lying.
But by playing with what should've been protected.
I thought I was ready to lead a woman.
But I couldn't even lead myself.
I confused chemistry for confirmation.
I confused her peace with permission.
And when I finally met grace…
I tried to replace it with someone who had my past,
instead of fighting to protect the one who challenged me to grow.
I want to say this…
**Angela — wherever you are — thank you.
You didn't curse me when I was careless.
You didn't expose me when you had receipts.
You just prayed, walked away, and left me with my conscience.
You are a woman of fire and restraint.
And I hope you know you were never ordinary.
Not in God's eyes.
Not in mine."**
There was silencece in the crowd.
People were touched.
Clapping.
Praying.
Angela?
She sat still.
Eyes moist.
But hands steady.
Tamara leaned in.
"You okay?"
Angela whispered:
> >>"He needed that moment.
But I don't need him back."
And just like that…
closure happened,
Not in a bedroom,
Not in a fight,
But in worship.
---
Peter stepped off the stage.
No applause for him.
Just a peace that followed him down the aisle.
He didn't look for Angela.
And she didn't approach him either.
Because this time?
Forgiveness didn't mean reconnection.