Chapter 8: Lights, vows and first glances
The wedding hall was nothing short of ethereal.
Bathed in a warm golden hue, the grand ballroom glowed like it had been kissed by heaven itself. The chandeliers overhead weren't just decorative—they were stories in crystal. Dozens of them hung like glass constellations, their teardrop pendants catching every ounce of light and scattering it across the room in delicate rainbows. Beneath them, the room basked in a soft, romantic dimness that made the bright elements shimmer even more—flashing like stars with every movement, every laugh, every breath.
The tables were arranged in precise harmony, dressed in ivory silk linens that reached the floor and held golden-rimmed plates set meticulously beside crystal wine glasses. Soft blush and white roses trailed along the centerpieces, winding between scented candles in golden holders. The chairs were lined in rows and draped in pearl-white covers, each tied with velvet bows that matched the bridesmaids' dresses.
Everything whispered elegance, everything shouted love.
But what truly made the room feel alive was not the décor—it was the people. Faces beamed with happiness, laughter danced on every lip, and eyes shimmered with emotion. It was the kind of room that didn't just celebrate a wedding—it honored a journey.
**
The wedding day arrived with perfection.
Zara, stunning in her off-shoulder beaded lace gown, looked every bit the bride of a royal fairytale. Her veil, soft and dreamy, cascaded behind her like a gentle river. Kene, on the other hand, looked every bit the prince—his navy tuxedo tailored to perfection, with a silver lapel pin that caught the light each time he moved.
The vows were soft. Intimate. Emotional.
"I choose you," Zara whispered, eyes wet with emotion. "Not because I have to. But because every time I look at you, I see home."
Kene's voice cracked as he responded, "You walked into my life when I least expected it and gave me a reason to believe that love could be mine too."
There wasn't a dry eye in the hall.
**
Among the guests was Amaka, radiant in a deep emerald satin gown that hugged her in all the right places. Her hair was pulled into a graceful updo, with loose curls framing her face, and her dangling earrings caught the light with every head turn.
She had delayed her UK flight just to witness this—her only brother marrying the love of his life. And as she watched the ceremony, pride swelled in her chest.
She remembered when they had nothing. When rent was unpaid and food was uncertain. But now… this?
This was victory.
**
On the groomsmen's side stood Caleb.
Sharp tux. Clean haircut. Deep brown eyes with the kind of calm that made women look twice. He worked in finance at the same firm as Kene. Successful, polished, and surprisingly kind-hearted. But today, he wasn't thinking of stock reports or meetings.
Today, he was thinking of Amaka.
He'd noticed her the second she stepped in.
The moment her soft perfume danced past him, something clicked. She had a presence—strong yet soft. Elegant yet grounded. And when she smiled during the wedding ceremony, something inside Caleb shifted.
He watched her laugh with the other bridesmaids. She lit up the room without even trying.
And for the first time in a long time, Caleb felt something stir.
Something... *hopeful*.
**
As the reception music began and couples took to the floor, Caleb couldn't wait any longer.
He approached her, slowly, like she was art he didn't want to disturb.
She had delayed her UK flight just to witness this—her only brother marrying the love of his life. And as she watched the ceremony, pride swelled in her chest.
She remembered when they had nothing. When rent was unpaid and food was uncertain. But now… this?
This was victory.
**
On the groomsmen's side stood Caleb.
Sharp tux. Clean haircut. Deep brown eyes with the kind of calm that made women look twice. He worked in finance at the same firm as Kene. Successful, polished, and surprisingly kind-hearted. But today, he wasn't thinking of stock reports or meetings.
Today, he was thinking of Amaka.
He'd noticed her the second she stepped in.
The moment her soft perfume danced past him, something clicked. She had a presence—strong yet soft. Elegant yet grounded. And when she smiled during the wedding ceremony, something inside Caleb shifted.
He watched her laugh with the other bridesmaids. She lit up the room without even trying.
And for the first time in a long time, Caleb felt something stir.
Something... *hopeful*.
**
As the reception music began and couples took to the floor, Caleb couldn't wait any longer.
He approached her, slowly, like she was art he didn't want to disturb.
"Hi," he said, voice low, smooth. "You've had all the gentlemen on this side distracted since you walked in. But I'm the lucky one brave enough to ask—may I have this dance?"
Amaka blinked. For a moment, she froze.
Then she laughed—soft and real—and nodded. "I'd be honoured."
He offered his hand, and she placed hers in his.
The second their fingers touched, it was like the music slowed for them.
They stepped onto the floor. No awkward stumbles. No nerves. Just rhythm.
Together, they moved like pieces of a story written long ago—her laugh mixing with the beat, his smile matching her grace.
Zara and Kene noticed from afar.
"They look... perfect," Zara whispered.
Kene grinned. "Maybe fate just showed up again."
**
After a few songs and rounds of conversation that felt more natural than expected, Caleb leaned closer.
"Would you mind joining me for a drink at the bar?" he asked.
Amaka hesitated. Just a breath. Then nodded. "Sure."
They made their way to the corner bar area, a little more private, the lights dimmer, the atmosphere softer.
He ordered red wine for her, a sparkling water for himself.
"I don't usually drink," he said with a smile, "but I'd make an exception for you."
She laughed, tipping her glass gently toward him. "I don't usually dance with strangers, so I guess we're both doing the unusual tonight."
He tilted his head. "Do I still count as a stranger?"
Her smile dropped a little, softening. "Not really."
There was a pause. Something deep.
Then Caleb cleared his throat. "Amaka… I'll be honest. I'm not here to flirt or pretend I'm something I'm not. I really like you. And I'd love for us to be more than just friends."
She blinked.
"I'm not one of those guys who plays games or ghost you after two weeks. If you'll let me, I'd love to get to know you more. Seriously."
He sipped his drink, watching her reaction carefully.
Amaka looked down.
Her hands trembled slightly.
She set the glass down.
Took a breath.
And then looked at him—straight in the eyes.
Just as her lips parted to speak…
A familiar voice cut through the air behind her.
"Amaka?"
She turned.
And froze.
Her wine glass slipped slightly in her grip, threatening to spill.
Standing there, dressed in a dark blue agbada, was *Joel*.
Yes.
*That* Joel.
The one who had shattered her heart in university. The one who'd ghosted her, broken her, left her with nothing but tears and unanswered questions.
"What… what are you doing here?" Amaka asked, voice barely audible.
"I'm Caleb's cousin," Joel said, glancing briefly at the man standing beside her. "Didn't know you'd be here."
Caleb's brows furrowed. "You two know each other?"
Joel chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Uh… yeah. We... dated. Back in uni."
Caleb looked between the two. "Seriously?"
Amaka looked like she'd seen a ghost.
Joel stepped closer. "Can we talk for a moment?" he asked her, eyes sincere.
Amaka swallowed hard, her chest tightening.
Caleb took a gentle step back, allowing her space—but his eyes never left her face.
And for a moment, Amaka stood between past and present. Between the boy who broke her and the man who might just love her.
Her heart thundered.
She didn't know what to say.
To Joel.
To Caleb.
To herself.
The music continued in the background.
But inside her?
There was silence.
A storm… waiting to break.