The Lekki apartment felt like a sanctuary again.
Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, turning the living room gold. Shemmy stood at the kitchen counter, barefoot, light yellow skin catching the morning glow as she sliced mangoes for breakfast. Her full figured body moved with a quiet confidence that had been missing for too long.
Daevyd watched her from the couch, tall slim frame relaxed, chocolate skin warm in the light. He had not taken his eyes off her since they woke up.
You look happy he said softly.
Shemmy turned, smiling.
I am happy.
She walked over, sat on his lap, mango slice in hand.
Open he said playfully.
He took the bite. Juice dripped down his chin.
She laughed — a real, unguarded laugh.
You eat like a child.
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Only around you.
They kissed — slow, sweet, full of the kind of peace that comes after surviving something that almost killed you.
The phone buzzed on the coffee table.
Mama.
Shemmy answered on speaker.
Omo mi mama said. I am feeling much better. Femi is taking good care of me.
Shemmy smiled.
I am glad mama.
Mama paused.
I want you both to come home this weekend.
Shemmy looked at Daevyd.
We will.
Mama continued.
There is someone I want you to meet.
Daevyd's hand tightened slightly on her waist.
Who mama?
A good boy from a good family. Your father and I have been talking. He is responsible. Stable.
Shemmy's stomach dropped.
Mama…
Mama cut in gently.
Just meet him. No pressure. But you need to think about your future. The drama with that boy… it almost killed me.
Daevyd's jaw clenched.
Mama I love your daughter. I am fighting for her every day.
Mama sighed.
I know you say that. But love is not enough when it brings pain. Come home. Meet the boy. Then decide.
The call ended.
Silence settled heavy.
Shemmy looked at Daevyd.
I am not going to meet anyone.
Daevyd's eyes were dark.
But your mother is asking.
Shemmy stood up.
She is scared. After everything.
Daevyd stood too.
I understand. But I am not scared. I am sure.
He pulled her close.
We go together. We face it together.
Shemmy nodded.
Together.
The weekend arrived fast.
They drove to Abeokuta in silence most of the way.
Daevyd's hand on the wheel. Shemmy's hand on his thigh.
Femi met them at the gate.
Mama is inside he said. And the boy is already here.
Daevyd's jaw tightened.
What is his name.
Chinedu. From a good family in Abuja. Engineer. Stable job.
Shemmy felt her stomach twist.
We are just meeting him she said.
Femi shrugged.
Mama wants you to see options.
Inside the house mama sat in the living room, dressed nicely, smiling.
Omo mi she said standing up.
Shemmy hugged her tight.
Mama you look better.
Mama kissed her forehead.
Because you are here.
Chinedu stood up from the couch. Tall. Clean-cut. Polite smile.
Good afternoon ma he said to mama.
Then to Shemmy.
You are even more beautiful in person.
Daevyd stepped forward. Tall slim frame straight.
Good afternoon he said politely.
Chinedu looked at him.
You are Daevyd Kng. The tech guy.
Yes.
Chinedu nodded.
I have heard about you.
Mama smiled.
Sit everyone.
They sat.
The conversation started polite.
Chinedu talked about his job. His family. His plans.
Stable.
Safe.
No drama.
Shemmy listened.
But her eyes kept going to Daevyd.
He sat quietly. Hands clasped. Listening.
Mama watched them both.
After an hour Chinedu stood.
It was nice meeting you he said.
He left politely.
Mama looked at Shemmy.
He is a good boy.
Shemmy nodded.
He is.
But my heart is with Daevyd.
Mama sighed.
I know.
Daevyd spoke for the first time.
Mama I know I have brought pain. I know the videos. The lawsuit. The lies. I know it hurt you.
Mama looked at him.
Yes.
But I love your daughter. I will spend every day proving I am worthy. No more secrets. No more pain. I promise.
Mama's eyes softened.
You came through the rain to face me. That is not small.
She looked at Shemmy.
Follow your heart. But protect it.
Shemmy smiled through tears.
I will.
Femi watched from the corner.
For the first time he did not argue.
That evening they sat on the veranda.
Mama rested inside.
Ruth had called earlier.
The internet is calming down she said. Brands are coming back. Investors are talking again.
Shemmy leaned against Daevyd.
We are rebuilding she said.
Daevyd kissed her forehead.
Together.
They stayed in Abeokuta for two days.
Daevyd helped mama around the house.
Fixed the leaking roof.
Carried water.
Talked with Femi.
Femi watched him.
You are trying he said one afternoon.
Daevyd nodded.
I am.
Femi sighed.
If you hurt her again…
I won't.
Femi looked at him for a long moment.
Then you have my respect.
The drive back to Lagos was quiet.
Happy quiet.
At the apartment Daevyd opened the door.
Home he said.
Shemmy stepped inside.
It felt like theirs.
They sat on the couch.
Daevyd took her hands.
I want to build with you he said.
Shemmy smiled.
We will.
He pulled her close.
They kissed under the city lights.
Deep.
Emotional.
The past was fading.
The future was bright.
But in the quiet moments, they knew.
The fight was not over.
Tunde was still out there.
Nadia was still hurting.
But together.
They were unstoppable.