Two months later, Ada gave birth to a bouncing baby boy.

Two months later, Ada gave birth to a bouncing baby boy.

Two months later, Ada gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. Obinna was over the moon with joy. He spoiled Ada with baby things tiny clothes, soft blankets, toys, and every necessity she and the child could ever need.

When Ada was discharged from the hospital, Obinna personally drove her home. From that day, he never allowed her to lift a finger. “No, no, Ada, you have to rest,” he would say. He cooked, cleaned, and even changed the baby’s diapers himself. Ada could not believe how blessed she was.

One sunny afternoon, they sat together on the bed, their baby in his small cradle by their side. They laughed as they watched the child stretch his tiny hands. Suddenly, Ada became thoughtful.

“Baby…” she said softly.
“Yes, my love?” Obinna replied, smiling at her.
“Why don’t we name this child now?” Ada asked.

Obinna’s smile deepened. “Okay. So, do you have any name in mind?”

Ada paused, thinking. Then she said gently, “Yes… How about Emmanuel?”

Obinna nodded slowly, repeating the name as if savoring it. “Emmanuel… God is with me. Hmm… I love it. Truly, God is with us.” They both laughed warmly.

“And what about his Igbo name?” Obinna asked.
“Don’t worry, my love,” Ada replied emotionally. “When we get to the village, my mother will give him that one.” Her eyes welled up. “Chai… I really miss my mom. I can’t wait to see her again.” Tears slipped down her cheeks.

Obinna quickly reached out and wiped her tears. “Don’t cry, honey. Very soon, you’ll see her. Please, you have to be strong for our Emmanuel, okay?”
Ada nodded, her heart heavy with emotion. “What could I have done without you, Obinna? You are truly God-sent. You came into my life and changed everything. Who would have thought that Ada of yesterday, the one mocked in the village, the one they laughed at… would be here today? Obinna, I suffered, but you gave my life meaning. My God will bless you for me. I will love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will never leave you or betray you. Thank you, obim.”

Tears of joy ran down her face as she pressed her head to his chest.

Obinna held her tightly. “I will do the same for you, my love. I will always be here, no matter what. I love you, Ada.”
“I love you too, obim,” she whispered. They hugged tightly as their baby slept peacefully nearby.

Sandra and her mother arrived at Mr. Collins’ compound that afternoon. Sandra looked different her once proud and arrogant face was now humble and full of regret. They both knelt on the floor as soon as they entered.

“Mom… Dad… please forgive me,” Sandra’s voice shook as she spoke. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I know I disgraced this family. I know I caused you pain… but prison changed me. I don’t ever want to live that life again.”

Her mother quickly added, her hands joined together in pleading. “My in-laws, please… have mercy on us. I am begging you. You are already planning to come and take back her bride price. If that happens, my daughter’s name will be finished. Please, forgive her.”

Mr. Collins sat back in his chair, frowning deeply. “Sandra,” he said slowly, “do you know the shame you brought to this house? Everywhere we went, people pointed fingers at us. ‘That is the family of Sandra,’ they mocked us. You dragged our name in the mud.” You maltreated us.

Sandra bowed her head, weeping harder. “Dad, I know. I know! If I could turn back the hands of time, I would never have behaved that way. I was foolish… blinded by pride and greed. Please, don’t cast me away.”

Mrs. Collins crossed her arms, studying her. “Sandra, how many times did we warn you? We told you to humble yourself, but you refused. You thought you knew everything. Do you know what your stubbornness cost this family?”

Sandra wiped her tears, shaking her head. “Mom, I know I failed. I disappointed everyone. But prison taught me. I saw women there who lost everything because of arrogance. I don’t want to end like them. Please… give me one more chance.”

Her mother held her shoulder and faced Mr. and Mrs. Collins again. “Please, my in-laws. She has learnt her lesson. I am begging you, don’t allow her marriage to scatter.”

The room was silent for a while. Only Sandra’s sobs could be heard. Finally, Mr. Collins sighed heavily and turned to his wife. “What do you think?”

Mrs. Collins softened her face and looked at Sandra. “Sandra, if we forgive you, will you truly change? Or will you go back to your old ways?”

Sandra raised her right hand in desperation. “Mom, Dad, I swear with my life, I will never go back. I will respect you and honor this family. Please… test me and see.”

Mr. Collins finally nodded. “Stand up. We have heard you. You are forgiven. But if you ever bring shame to this family again…” he paused, his voice firm, “you will leave this house forever. No second chances.”

Sandra quickly knelt again, thanking them. “Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Mom! You won’t regret this. I promise.”

Her mother also sighed in relief. “God bless you, my in-laws. You won’t regret showing mercy.”

Mrs. Collins waved her hand gently. “Go inside, Sandra. We will speak to our son when he comes back.

Sandra stood up, wiping her tears, and for the first time in weeks, she managed a small smile.

On a bright Sunday afternoon, Sandra, Chidi, and Chidi’s parents went to visit Ada and Obinna. They brought gifts baby clothes, food items, and small presents. Ada was surprised but welcomed them kindly.

Chidi bent his head as he spoke. “Ada, Obinna… I know I wronged you both in the past. But I am glad my son is in safe hands. I only ask one thing that I may be allowed to see him once in a while.”

Obinna looked at Ada, then nodded. “You are his father by blood. As long as you respect our home, you can visit your son anytime. But this child belongs here with us.”

Ada smiled faintly. “Yes, Chidi. That is all we ask.”

Sandra cleared her throat, speaking softly. “Ada… I also want to say thank you. Thank you for not holding grudges. I know I hurt you. I know I made life hard for you. But you still welcomed us today. God bless you.”

Ada looked at her and smiled warmly. “Sandra, life is too short for bitterness. What matters is peace. We can’t change the past, but we can choose the future.”

Chidi’s mom, who had been quiet, spoke up. “Ada, Obinna, we are grateful. You are the ones raising this child, and you are doing it with love. May God continue to bless your home.”

Obinna nodded respectfully. “Thank you, Ma. This child is not just ours he is everyone’s blessing. As long as peace reigns, you will always be welcome here.”

Chidi stepped closer, his voice breaking a little. “Obinna… thank you for standing by Ada when I failed her. Thank you for being the man I could not be. I won’t forget this.”

Obinna smiled faintly. “What matters is that the boy has love from all sides. Let’s all protect his future.”

Ada, carrying the baby now, looked around the room. “This child will grow up knowing peace, not hatred. That’s my prayer.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. For the first time in a long while, calmness filled the house. The baby yawned softly in his mother’s arms, as though sealing the moment of unity with his innocence.

Peace was finally restored.

One evening, after dinner, Ada sat on the bed breastfeeding Emmanuel while Obinna cleared the plates from the table. She watched him, smiling at how caring he was. Her heart was full, but suddenly her thoughts drifted homeward.

“Obim,” she called softly.
“Yes, my love,” Obinna answered, walking back to her side.
Ada sighed deeply. “It’s been one whole year since I saw my mother. Every day I think about her. I miss her so much.”

Obinna sat beside her, rubbing her back gently. “I know, Ada. That’s why I’ve been thinking… maybe it’s time we go to the village. You will see your mother, and I will also use the opportunity to speak to her about us.”

Ada’s eyes widened a little. “You mean… marriage?”
Obinna nodded with a smile. “Yes. I want your mother to know my intentions. I don’t just want to be in your life as Emmanuel’s father I want to be in your life as your husband.”

Ada’s eyes welled up with tears. “Obinna… do you mean it? You want to marry me?”
Obinna took her hand. “Why not? You are everything I ever prayed for. You gave me Emmanuel, and you gave me peace. I want to do things properly. Your mother deserves to hear it from my mouth.”

Ada sniffed, her heart pounding. “Chai… this is like a dream. Back in the village, they mocked me, said no man would ever want me. But here you are, Obim, saying you want to marry me. God is truly faithful.”

Obinna kissed her forehead. “Let them mock. Very soon, they will see for themselves. Next weekend, we will travel. I’ll arrange everything.”

Ada smiled through her tears. “I can’t wait to hold my mother again, to introduce her to Emmanuel… and to hear her blessings on us.”

Obinna looked into her eyes. “Then it’s settled. We’re going to the village.”

They both laughed softly, holding hands, while Emmanuel lay between them, cooing as if he understood every word.

One more episode to go……

WHEN LOVE BLINDS EPISODE 25.

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