It was a glorious sunny Saturday, and as promised, Michael arrived at the Chimas' house to pick up Chioma and take her to the Njemanze Villa. Chioma, still in her adorable purple sleep dress with a Mickey Mouse design, was bustling about, determined to do a thorough house-cleaning before work since today was Saturday.
Just as she finished her chores and prepared for work, Michael arrived to pick her up, looking dapper in a dazzling white dress shirt with diamond cuffs, matching trousers, and freshly polished shoes. Chioma couldn't help but stare, a warm smile blooming on her face. There was no doubt in her mind—Michael was the most handsome man in the world.
Ushering him to the sofa, Chioma hurried to the kitchen, a pot of freshly brewed coffee already simmering—a sweet surprise for Michael even though she hadn't expected him to pick her up at home. She had assumed they would meet at Star Restaurant.
'I'll freshen up,' she said, turning towards the bathroom.
'Do you like the coffee?' Louisa asked, placing a plate of cake beside him on a small side stool.
'Very much,' Michael smiled brightly. Of course, he liked it—anything prepared by Chioma held a special charm. Any man would love anything his woman prepares, even if it was sand from the Sahara Desert. He took a sip, savouring the warmth and the subtle sweetness. 'I heard you have a son,' he asked.
A warmth filled Louisa's eyes as she spoke. 'Yes, Andrew. He left early for his workplace. He is a mechanic. He has a date with his girlfriend in the evening.'
Michael returned the smile politely.
A flicker of nervousness crossed Louisa's face. 'How much do you love my daughter?' Louisa asked, her gaze holding his.
Michael didn't hesitate. 'More than my own life,' he answered sincerely.
Louisa smiled, a genuine warmth reaching her eyes. She could feel the sincerity in Michael's voice. She knew he was speaking the truth, but she was afraid his family would judge her poor daughter.
To keep him occupied, Louisa retrieved Chioma's childhood album. 'Back then, phones were very expensive, and old-fashioned photos were popular,' she joked, handing it to Michael. 'Maybe you'd like to see Chioma's childhood memories.'
Michael smiled and took the album, flipping through the pages. He found Chioma endearing in every photo, from her chubby-cheeked childhood to her graduation day innocence. Most of these he had already seen during Robert's investigation, yet seeing them again held a different weight.
Meanwhile, after a refreshing bath, Chioma emerged from the bathroom transformed. Now back in the bedroom, she wore a long-sleeved indigo dress cinched with a black belt, its colour complementing her blue floral shoes. Her hair was pulled back in a style that accentuated her face, adorned with a single white rose tucked behind her ear. Despite her outfit being from a roadside stall, she looked stunning. Chioma didn't want Michael to buy her a dress to wear to meet his parents. She didn't want to appear materialistic, nor did she want them to judge her solely on brand names. She had to make do with what she had.
Michael was speechless when he saw her. Her beauty was radiant, bathed in the afternoon sunlight streaming through the living room window. He felt a surge of pride having this loving woman by his side. He quickly put down the album and walked towards her. Louisa excused herself and slipped out to the backyard, leaving them alone.
'You're the most beautiful woman in the world,' Michael whispered, completely captivated by her.
Chioma's dimples deepened as she managed a shy smile. Michael's long fingers brushed her cheek gently. Tilting her chin up, he leaned in and planted a tender kiss on her lips, careful not to smudge her lip balm.
'I have a present for you to wear. Please, don't object. It's not just about visiting my home. It's a gift I want you to always cherish,' Michael said, holding out a small, colourful box. His face held a tenderness that mirrored his love for her.
Chioma's heart overflowed with joy. She would have been content to see him every day, gift or no gift. However, a flicker of worry remained—would his family accept her?
'Go on, open it,' he urged her with a smile.
Inside the box lay a breathtaking bracelet. Genuine awe filled Chioma as she held it up. 'Oh, Michael,' she breathed, 'this is the most exquisite piece I've ever seen. Thank you so much.'
'Not as beautiful as you,' Michael grinned. 'Let me put it on you. This bracelet is made by Moon Corporation.' He unclasped it and carefully fastened it around her wrist. The cool metal contrasted pleasantly against her warm skin. 'I designed this bracelet especially for you,' he explained, tracing the intricate design with his thumb. 'The centrepiece is a crown, symbolising the queen you are in my eyes. The stars represent your dreams, and the intertwined initials are a promise that our paths are forever linked.'
Chioma's eyes welled up with emotion. Michael's thoughtfulness touched her deeply. 'It's perfect, Michael,' she whispered, her voice thick with feeling. She couldn't help but admire him. Here she was, an ordinary woman, yet this extraordinary man had designed a bracelet just for her. The centrepiece of the golden bracelet was a dazzling white-diamond-encrusted crown, flanked by two white-gemstone stars. But it was the intertwined initials, her own and Michael's, formed from flawless white gems, that truly stole her focus. Her fingers traced the delicate design, the cool metal contrasting the warmth blooming in her chest. A silent question formed in her mind—what message was Michael trying to convey?
'I am going to protect you forever because you are precious to me,' Michael said, answering her unspoken thoughts.
Chioma's smile widened as she lifted her arm gracefully, the bracelet catching the light and showering the room in a miniature fireworks display of sparkling diamonds. 'I will always be yours,' she whispered, the vow carrying the weight of her newfound devotion.
A thoughtful frown creased her brow, however. 'But please, how about we reschedule the meeting for another time?' she suggested, her voice laced with concern. 'I truly want to make a good impression on your mother, and I haven't had a chance to get her a gift. I had some ideas, but nothing seemed quite right, especially since she probably has everything already. If we postpone it, I could find something meaningful to gift your mum.'
He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze tender. 'I know it's crucial to build a good relationship with my mum, but I assure you, I should be the one buying the gift on your behalf since I'm the one taking you there. Don't worry about what to give to my mum; you'll have plenty of opportunities to buy her numerous gifts in the future,' Michael explained.
Chioma opened her mouth to protest, but Michael's determined gaze silenced her. He was right, of course. Despite the wealth and status of Michael's mother, Chioma felt that all mothers shared a common core. They craved respect, kindness, and a genuine connection with their children's partners. Chioma could offer those things freely. However, a nagging question lingered in her mind: would that be enough to win over Patricia? Would her presence be enough to impress this formidable woman?