He Invited His Ex-Wife to Mock Her… Then She Arrived With Twins in a Helicopter!

PART 2:

 But appreciation won’t give me an heir. ‘ Is that all I have become to you? A woman measured by whether she has a child. ‘ Don’t make this harder than it already is. ‘ I’m not making it hard. You’re making it easy to throw me away. ‘ Victor, please. ‘ Victor, may I come in? ‘ I could hear voices downstairs.

 What happened? ‘ I told Grace the marriage is over. ‘ So you finally accepted it. Mama accepted what? That my son deserves a family. ‘ I am his family. ‘ A family without children is incomplete. ‘ Mama, have you ever asked if the problem might not be mine? ‘ Enough. Not this again. ‘ I’m not insulting him.

 I’m asking for fairness. ‘ Let us both go for medical tests. ‘ I said no. How many times will you repeat yourself ‘ until you stop condemning me without proof? Proof. 6 years is proof enough. ‘ Victor, do you remember the promise we made on our wedding day? ‘ Don’t do this. ‘ Well, Victor, I’ll be waiting for you downstairs. I don’t want to be here.

‘ Victor, please. You held my hands. You ‘ said, “No matter what comes, we’ll face it together.” Were those just beautiful words? ‘ Things change. ‘ Love shouldn’t.  Reality changed my mind. ‘ No. Pride changed your heart. ‘ Who are you calling? ‘ Someone who will help us ‘ finish this tonight.

‘ Hello, counselor. Yes, it’s Victor. I need the divorce papers prepared immediately. No delays. Tomorrow morning. ‘ 6 years. Is this all our marriage is worth to you? ‘ Please don’t make this any harder. ‘ Harder? You decided to end us before you walked into this room. ‘ I made the only decision I believe was left.

‘ Then look at me just once. If you’re sending me away, at least have the courage to look me in the eyes. ‘ I’m ‘ sorry, but my decision stands. I walked away. ‘ I never thought this picture would become a memory so soon.  lost his life. The tears kept falling through the night.

  ‘ Thank you, God, for giving me the strength to walk away even when my heart wants to stay. ‘ I didn’t do anything. And I rose again. ‘ Why won’t they believe me? ‘ I have to get out of here. ‘ Hello, Debbie. ‘ Hello, Debbie.  I’ve called you four times. Where are you? Why do you sound like you’re crying? Deborah, can I come to you? Please tell me where you are.

 I’m coming to get you. Don’t move. Do you hear me? ‘ Don’t worry. I’m I’m already on my way to your house. ‘ Okay, Grace. I’m at home waiting for you. questions falling likewhere.  Grace, I’m coming. came. ‘ No, no, he actually did it. I I didn’t know where else to go. Don’t stand out there. Come inside. You’re safe here.

 It still doesn’t feel real. By tomorrow, you’ll realize one thing. ‘ You left a house, not your life. It feels like it. Your life is in you. We start again. Drink. ‘ We’ll talk after. If I drink, I’ll cry even more. ‘ Then cry. Don’t imprison your tears for someone who never protected them. He called me a burden.

 Victor said that to the woman who built his life beside him. He said he deserves a woman who can give him children. And he said that without even questioning himself. He never would. You know what? Go take a shower and stay relaxed. We’ll have to talk about this later. Okay. She took it. ‘ She left it.  Victor, she’s gone.

‘ You made your choice. Don’t look back now. ‘ I’m just wondering why does Victory feel like this? ‘ Forget about her. Tomorrow, a new chapter begins. Tell me everything. Don’t leave out a single word. He had already called his lawyer. Before he entered the bedroom, the conversation, the tears, none of it mattered, so his decision was already made.

 I wasn’t his wife tonight. I was simply someone waiting to be dismissed. Grace, why didn’t you call me earlier? Because I kept believing he would remember he loved me. ‘ Grace, answer one question. Honestly, I’m listening. Did both of you ever go for proper fertility test together? No. Not even once.

 Every time I asked, Victor refused. He always said there was no need. That doesn’t sound right. His mother kept saying I was the problem. Eventually, I believed them. Look at me. [screaming] What if you spent 6 years apologizing for something that was never your fault? Please don’t give me hope if it isn’t real. Hope doesn’t scare me.

Assumptions do. Victor sounded so sure. Being loud isn’t the same as being right. Deborah, are you awake? ‘ Yes. I knew you wouldn’t sleep tonight. ‘ Do you think God has forgotten me? No. I think people spoke louder than God. And after a while, you believed them. I’m afraid. Afraid of what? Finding out Victor was right.

 And what if he’s completely wrong? ‘ Look, Grace, let’s go back to sleep. Tomorrow is another day. Where are you going? We’re going somewhere. I’m not ready to face people. We have to. Good. Because we’re not going to see people. We’re going to meet the truth. Get dressed. Bring every medical record you have. Leave your fear here.

 Someone is finally going to answer the question that destroyed your marriage. Mrs. Grace, we’ll begin with a few routine tests. Please don’t be nervous. I’m not afraid of the needles. I’m afraid of the answer. ‘ Before we begin, I’d like to hear your story. ‘ My husband divorced me. He believed I couldn’t have children.

 Did both of you undergo fertility evaluation together? ‘ No, he refused. He said there was no reason. ‘ Then we shouldn’t blame anyone until we have evidence. Medicine deals with facts, not assumptions. ‘ Take a deep breath. You’ll only feel a small pinch. Don’t look at the needle. Look at me. Ready? Small pinch now. Okay, perfect.

 That’s the first step completed. Thank you, nurse. You’re welcome. Just relax. Try to relax. We’re simply checking that everything looks healthy. [sighs] Is something wrong? The doctor will discuss the results with you. Let’s finish the examination first. So, I think you’ll get the results tomorrow morning. It will be okay. I hope so.

 ‘ Why does winning feel like losing? ‘ Hello. Hello. Yes. Cancel tomorrow’s meeting in Abuja. Move every appointment to next week. No, I’m not traveling anymore. Handle it without me. ‘ Sir, the investors are already waiting for the board meeting. ‘ Tell them Mr. The Adawali will represent me. I’m leaving the office.

‘ Mama, what’s going on? ‘ You’re home. Good. Sit down. There’s someone you need to meet. ‘ Meet who? ‘ Good evening, sir. ‘ Mama, you invited someone into my house without telling me. ‘ Her name is Regina. She’s from our village. She’s respectful, god-fearing, and she knows how to build a home. ‘ Mama, I just signed divorce papers.

 Can I breathe first? ‘ Exactly why she’s here. A broken chapter should never become your whole story. ‘ This isn’t how healing works. ‘ If my presence makes you uncomfortable, I can leave. ‘ No, it’s not your fault. You didn’t ask to be brought here. ‘ Good. Then at least have dinner together.

 No pressure, just conversation. ‘ One dinner, nothing more. ‘ Thank you. Doctor, please just tell me the truth. ‘ Mrs. Grace, ‘ every result has been reviewed carefully. From everything we’ve seen ‘ so far, there is something you deserve to know. ‘ Doctor, what is it? Please tell me. ‘ Grace, your results show ‘ a serious condition.

‘ Doctor, please, whatever it is, don’t hide it from me. ‘ Mrs. Grace, before I explain ‘ the results, I want to ask one question. Did your former husband ever undergo any fertility examination? ‘ No, he always refused. He said he had nothing to ‘ prove. ‘ Every test we performed, your blood work, your hormone profile, your scans, everything is within a healthy range.

‘ I’m healthy. ‘ Yes. From every medical finding before me, there is no evidence ‘ that you are unable to conceive. ‘ 6 years I believed I was broken. Pain can make people believe many things. Medicine deals with evidence, not blame. ‘ I knew it. ‘ I knew something never added up.

 All those nights, all those prayers, all those apologies for something I never did. Listen to me. Your life doesn’t end with those papers. It begins today. No more begging people to believe your worth. No more living under someone else’s accusation. You’re right. I’m done chasing acceptance. ‘ If I have to start from nothing, I’ll do it.

 But this time, I’ll build a life no one can take away. That’s the grace I know. ‘ Now, let’s go make the first move. What first move? I know someone looking for a reliable business partner. He owns several restaurants. Food. I haven’t told him about you. Not yet.  Good morning, sir. ‘ How long will you punish yourself? ‘ I’m not ‘ punishing myself.

 I’m trying to breathe. ‘ Then breathe with someone who can help you heal. ‘ Mama, please. Not this again. I’m getting older, Victor. Before I leave this world, I want to hold my grandchildren. ‘ Look at her. She never complains. She wakes before everyone. She She cleans. She respects this house. ‘ Mama, being hardworking doesn’t mean she’s the woman I’m meant to marry.

‘ Love grows. Respect builds it. Sometimes the right person arrives quietly. ‘ Or sometimes people rush into another mistake ‘ because they’re afraid of being alone. Madame Regina, can I ‘ help? ‘ No, thank you. I’ll finish. ‘ One step at a time. ‘ Soon. Everything here will belong to me. ‘ Get ready. We’re going somewhere.

Another hospital. A new beginning. I’m not ready for disappointment again. Good, because today we’re going to meet Opportunity. So, you’re the woman Deborah has been talking about. Thank you for seeing me. Deborah says you cook exceptionally well. She also says you’re dependable. Cooking has always been my passion.

 I’m not hiring, but I know a family who desperately needs a private chef. They’re wealthy, very private, and extremely selective. The salary is excellent. Accommodation is available if needed. But one mistake and you’re gone. I’m not looking for charity. I’m looking for a chance. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Thank you.

‘ Be there tomorrow morning, 8:00. Don’t be late. ‘ Thank you. You won’t regret this.  Good afternoon, ma’am. Welcome to the estate.  Good afternoon. Thank you. ‘ Please go right in. The entrance is straight ahead. ‘ Thank you. ‘ Welcome, my dear. Please have it in mind that Harrison doesn’t tolerate dishonesty. She values discipline.

 Do your work well and you’ll be treated with respect. ‘ That’s all I’m asking for. A fair chance. ‘ Can you cook under pressure? ‘ Pressure doesn’t scare me anymore. ‘ Tonight, you’ll prepare dinner. If my family enjoys your food, the position is yours. ‘ I won’t disappoint you. It’s almost dinner time.

 I hope the new chef understands what excellence means. ‘ Vivian has never recommended the wrong person. Let’s see if this one is different. ‘ She looked confident. Not arrogant, just confident. ‘ You’ve only seen her for less than a minute. ‘ I was talking about her professionalism. Nothing ‘ more. ‘ This is my second chance.

 Please don’t let fear ruin it. ‘ One meal, one opportunity, one new beginning. heart. ‘ They thought my story somewhere between goodbye and pain. But heaven kept riding quiet.  Look at her. Nobody asked her to decorate this place. She simply enjoys making a house feel like a home. You didn’t have to do all this.

‘ I know. I just thought maybe a peaceful home helps people carry heavy hearts. ‘ Do you see now? Not everyone comes into your life to hurt you. He’s beginning to notice me. Not enough, but he will. Yes, I know. ‘ Yes. Everything is going exactly as planned. No, his mother trusts me completely.

 Victor, he’s still difficult, but difficult men make expensive husbands. ‘ Grace, who taught you to cook like this? My late grandmother. She always said, “If you cook with love, people will taste your heart.” ‘ I haven’t tasted pepper soup like this in years. I think we just found our chef. ‘ Do you know why I test every chef personally? ‘ No, Mom.

 Because skill can be taught, character cannot. ‘ I understand. ‘ Vivian was right. You’re disciplined. ‘ From today, you’re officially employed. ‘ Thank you. I won’t disappoint your family.  ‘ Mama, I brought fresh lilies. I remembered they’re your favorite. ‘ You remembered? ‘ Of course. You’ve treated me like a daughter.

You’re already family to me. ‘ That means more than you know. ‘ May I come in? ‘ Yes, come in. You’ve been working for hours. I thought you should take a break. ‘ You made this? ‘ I watched the housekeeper. I wanted to learn how you like your tea. ‘ Thank you. I needed this. ‘ You always smile when you cook.

Cooking is the only place where my mind becomes peaceful. ‘ Peace? That’s rare these days. ‘ Everyone is fighting a battle. Some people just hide it better. ‘ You’re not like most people I’ve met. ‘ Lunch will be ready in 10 minutes. ‘ She’s been helping every day without asking for anything. ‘ I’ve noticed.

‘ She respects you. She respects this family. Victor, not every woman is the same. I’m your mother. Everything I’m doing, I’m doing because I want to see you happy again. And yes, I still dream of holding my grandchildren. ‘ Regina, can I ask you something? ‘ Of course. ‘ Why are you trying so hard? ‘ Because broken people deserve kindness, not pressure.

‘ I’ve been unfair. Not just to you, to everyone. ‘ Then don’t keep your heart closed forever. Maybe it’s time I stopped living in yesterday. ‘ Step one, earn his trust. Step two, become his wife. After that, no one will ever send me away again. Good morning, sir. [singing] ‘ You’ve been here since dawn. ‘ Breakfast has to be ready before everyone wakes up.

‘ You never seem to get tired. ‘ Some people work because they have dreams. Others work because they don’t want to return to yesterday. ‘ Sir, what are you doing? ‘ Helping. ‘ Your mother will think I’ve forgotten my job. ‘ Then don’t let her catch me. ‘ Please go before ‘ someone. You smile, then you hide it almost immediately.

‘ Some smiles are borrowed, not owned. ‘ Sir, these contracts need your approval. ‘ Leave them. I’ll review them later. ‘ You’ve postponed three meetings today. Is everything all right? ‘ I’m trying to put my life back together. ‘ Business can wait ‘ one day. another. [singing] ‘ You learned so quickly.

‘ I just want to make you proud. You’ve treated me with kindness from the first day. I’ll never forget it. If only Victor would open his heart. ‘ He’d see what I see. Please don’t force him because of me. I don’t want pity. If he ever chooses me, I want it to be because he truly wants to.  You forgot to take a break again.

‘ Thank you. You’re welcome. ‘ Can I ask you something? ‘ That depends. ‘ Some questions take time to answer. ‘ Victor, sit. At least eat while the food is hot. ‘ You cook this? ‘ The housekeeper helped. I’m still learning. ‘ It’s good. Very good. The woman. ‘ [singing] ‘ Victor, sit with us for a moment.

 There is something I want us to discuss. ‘ Mama, if this is about marriage again. ‘ Yes, because I refuse ‘ to stop praying for your happiness. ‘ Happiness cannot be forced. ‘ Neither can loneliness. I’ll excuse myself. I don’t want to interrupt. ‘ Regina, you don’t have to leave. The gardener insisted these should go straight to the ‘ chef.

‘ Thank you. Just leave them there. ‘ You always keep conversations short. ‘ Long conversations usually bring long memories.  Ma’am sir. Is everything all right? If there’s anything you’d like me to improve, please tell me. Come closer, Grace. I want to ask you something. Don’t be afraid.

 Just answer me honestly.  Yes, ma’am. I’ll answer as honestly as I can. How long have you been cooking professionally? Not very long. Most of what I know came from my grandmother. She always said a meal should comfort the heart before it fills the stomach.  Then your grandmother left you a priceless inheritance.

 This meal reminds me of my childhood. I haven’t enjoyed food like this in years. ‘ Thank you, sir. That means more to me than you know. Grace, you’ve worked here quietly. You respect everyone. You never complained, but your eyes tell a different story. Sometimes silence is easier than explaining pain. ‘ You’re carrying something heavy.

 You don’t have to tell us today. But don’t carry it forever. Even the strongest people become tired. ‘ I’m learning one day at a time. Listen carefully. I don’t employ people because they have perfect lives ever. Since you have both dignity and discipline. Thank you, ‘ ma’am. I won’t betray the trust you’ve given me. Good.

 As long as you work in this house, you are not just an employee. You deserve respect. Never think otherwise. ‘ Thank you. I honestly didn’t expect such kindness. [screaming] ‘ That young woman is hiding deep pain. ‘ Yes. And pain like hers doesn’t disappear overnight.  You never ask me questions. ‘ Not everyone likes answering questions.

‘ Most people are curious. ‘ Some people are patient. ‘ You’re different from the women I’ve met. ‘ I’m simply trying to be myself. Maybe that’s why this house feels quieter when you’re around.  Really? ‘ Yes. ‘ Thank you. [music and singing] [singing] ‘ You always work as though the kitchen is the only place where the world can’t reach you.

‘ Sir, you almost gave me a heart attack. ‘ I’m sorry. That ‘ wasn’t my intention. Dinner will be ready in about 40 minutes. If your parents need anything before then, please let me know. ‘ That’s the problem. Every conversation with you ends with food. Do you ever talk about yourself? ‘ There’s nothing interesting to say.

‘ I don’t believe that. Someone who cooks with this much care usually has a story. ‘ Everyone has a story. Some stories ‘ are better left closed. ‘ Only if opening them causes more pain. ‘ Sometimes people ask about your past because they’re curious. After they hear it, they look at you differently.

‘ Do you think I’d do that? ‘ I don’t know you well enough to answer. Can I at least help with something? ‘ No. ‘ If your mother walks in and sees you helping me, she’ll think I’ve forgotten why I’m here. ‘ You’re still worried about that? ‘ I’m careful with opportunities. I don’t get many of them.

‘ Grace, who taught you to expect the worst from people?  Life. Life is a very strict teacher. [singing]  Adrien, ‘ I thought I’d find you here. ‘ I came to see how dinner was going. Grace wouldn’t even let me peel an onion. That’s because she takes her work seriously. Dinner will be ready on time.

Mom, you don’t have to worry. ‘ Excellent. Grace, you’ve brought peace back into this kitchen. Keep doing exactly what ‘ you’re doing. Thank you, Mom. I’ll continue giving my best. ‘ I’ll stop disturbing the chef ‘ for today. ‘ Don’t do this again. ‘ Not with your heart. Dreams. ‘ Victor, you’re finally home.

 How was work today? ‘ Stressful. It felt like every meeting wanted a different piece of me. ‘ Then perhaps you should let the tea win for a few minutes. ‘ Thank you. ‘ This tastes exactly ‘ the way I like it. ‘ Your mother mentioned you prefer very little sugar. I try to remember. ‘ You see, she pays attention.

 Not because she has to, because she cares. Victor, how long will you keep living with one foot in yesterday? ‘ I’m trying, mama, but forgetting someone isn’t as easy as ‘ people think. ‘ I’m not asking you to forget. I’m asking you to keep living. ‘ You’ve been very patient. Most people would have left by now. ‘ Maybe, but everyone deserves time to heal. Healing cannot ‘ be rushed.

‘ You always seem to know the right thing to say. ‘ Sometimes silence teaches us what words cannot. Victor, I won’t hide my heart anymore. I want grandchildren. I want to hear children running through these halls before God calls me home. Mama, don’t make this harder. ‘ I’m not trying to pressure you.

 I’m telling you the prayer I whisper every night. Mama, please don’t speak because of me. If Victor isn’t ready, then he isn’t ready. I’d rather remain respected than accepted out of sympathy. That’s exactly why I believe you’re the right woman. ‘ When Grace left, I promised myself I’d never trust my heart again.

‘ Not every chapter repeats itself. Sometimes God sends different people for different seasons. ‘ Regina, I can’t promise love today. That wouldn’t be fair to you. But I’d like us to get to know each other properly. No pressure, no pretending, just honesty. ‘ That’s enough for me. I’d rather build something slowly than force something that isn’t real.

‘ Mama, don’t start planning a wedding yet. We’re only taking one step. ‘ One step is still forward. I’ve been waiting a long time to hear you say that. [gasps] [sighs] ‘ Perfect. ‘ Grace, may I have just a few minutes? Sir, dinner will be ready soon. If there’s anything you’d like changed. ‘ I’m not here to talk about dinner.

 I’m here to talk about you. [sighs and gasps] ‘ Sir, please. Someone could walk in. ‘ I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable. I only want you to hear me. ‘ I don’t think this conversation is appropriate. You’re my employer son. I’m the family chef. Please, let’s leave it that way. ‘ Do you really believe that’s all I see when I look at you? I’m not asking for an answer today.

 I only wanted you to know I respect you more than you realize. Grace, is everything all right? Why do you sound like you’ve been crying? Deborah, something happened today. Something I never expected. Take your time. I’m listening. Mr. Harrison’s son. He told me he respects me. He said he wanted me to know how he feels. Adrien, he actually said that.

Deborah, I’m scared. What if Madame Harrison thinks I encouraged him? What if they send me away? I finally have peace. I can’t lose this job. Grace, listen to me carefully. Don’t let yesterday steal today. Victor taught you what fear feels like. That doesn’t mean every man is Victor. You don’t understand.

 I finally found people who respect me. If this becomes a problem, everything will disappear again. Did Adrien disrespect you? He was very respectful. He didn’t even ask me for an answer. He just spoke honestly. Then don’t punish a good man for another man’s mistake. Pray, watch, take your time. If God is in it, you won’t have to force anything.

 Will I ever stop being afraid? Yes. Not because the memories disappear, but because healing becomes stronger than them. ‘ It’s all sorted now, Grace. [sighs] ‘ Thank you, Dborah. ‘ Come in. ‘ That’s not your business face. Sit down. What’s on your mind? [sighs and gasps] ‘ Dad, I need your advice. You have my full attention. It’s about grace. Go on.

 I’ve tried to ignore it. I’ve tried convincing myself it was admiration, but it isn’t. I love her. Adrien, answer one question honestly. Do you love her because she’s vulnerable or because you’ve seen the woman she truly is? Because of the woman she is. She carries pain without becoming bitter. She respects everyone.

 and she walks with dignity. I’ve never met anyone like her. Then don’t chase her. Earn her trust. A woman who’s been wounded doesn’t need pressure. She needs safety. That’s exactly what I want to give her. Good. Then tomorrow, speak to your mother. Nothing begins in secret inside this family.  Madam wants to see you privately.

Privately? Yes. She’s waiting. You [music and singing] shadow. [singing] ‘ Relax, Grace. You look like you’re about to face a judge. ‘ I’m sorry, ma’am. I wasn’t expecting to be called here. Sit down. This isn’t an interview. Tell me something honestly. Has Adrienne spoken to you outside normal conversations? ‘ Ma’am, if I’ve done anything inappropriate, ‘ Grace, that wasn’t my question.

 Yes, he spoke to me yesterday and he was respectful, very ‘ respectful. He didn’t pressure me. He didn’t ask for anything. He simply told me how he felt. ‘ What did you tell him? ‘ Nothing. I told him I work here. I told him this family trusted me. I told him I didn’t want problems. ‘ Grace, are you afraid of losing your job? ‘ This home gave me dignity when I had none left. I couldn’t bear to lose it.

‘ Look at me. You are not in trouble. My son spoke to me first, not because I demanded it, because that’s the kind of man he is. And let me make something very clear. You work in this house because you earned your place here. Not because anyone pitted you, not because anyone is doing you a favor.

 You belong here. If you don’t have feelings for Adrien, ‘ that is perfectly fine. If you’re afraid, that is understandable, too. But never think for a second that we would throw you away because my son admires you. [singing] ‘ Thank you, ma’am. You have no idea what those words mean to me. You look nervous. ‘ Mom spoke to Grace this morning and now you’re imagining disasters.

 What if she feels trapped? What if she thinks you’re trying to take advantage of our situation? Then prove her wrong. Not ‘ with promises, with patience. Dad, I’ve never felt like this before. ‘ Good. If you had, I’d be worried. She looks at happiness like it’s temporary, like someone is ‘ going to take it away because someone already did.

 I don’t want to fix her. I just want her to stop being afraid around me. Then become the safest room she has ever walked into. You always make ‘ things sound simple. They’re simple. People make them difficult.  Your face says something happened. Good or bad? I don’t know. Maybe both. Start talking.

 Madam Harrison called me into her private room. I thought I was finished. [singing] And she already knew. Adrien told his parents himself. That’s already different from Victor. Victor hid things. This man brought his family into it. She didn’t insult me. She didn’t judge me. She told me I belong there. Grace, do you know what scares you? What? Because you’ve lived with storms for too long.

 What if I trust someone again and lose everything? But what if this time you don’t lose anything? Then you’ll survive it again. But what if this time you don’t lose anything? Exactly. That’s what I thought. Maybe for the first time in years, I’m more afraid of happiness than pain. Then maybe happiness is finally getting close enough to scare you.

around until I remembered who I could be. ‘ It finally started believing me. You became a dream. You’re finally home. Look who spent the entire afternoon helping me sort these ‘ photographs. ‘ You stayed all day. ‘ Your mother refused to let me leave. She said I walk too slowly. ‘ Ah, see, she admits it because you do.

This girl folds clothes like she’s handling diamonds. ‘ Oh, mama. ‘ Victor, you’re actually laughing. It’s good to see ‘ you cooked this. ‘ Yes. Was it too salty? ‘ No, actually it’s good. ‘ I told you village girls know how to build homes. ‘ Mother, please. ‘ She’s only joking.  Relax. Relax.

 I’m not here to propose marriage beside the onions. ‘ You enjoy making me uncomfortable. ‘ No, I enjoy seeing you smile. There’s ‘ a difference. ‘ You should stop doing that. ‘ Doing what? ‘ Saying nice things, making me forget to ‘ be careful. ‘ Grace, who taught you that kindness is dangerous? ‘ Experience. Then I’ll be patient enough to argue with your ‘ experience.

‘ You saw Adrian today. How do you know that? Because your face changes every time his name enters a conversation. Your eyes become confused. Your voice becomes softer. Your brain panics. Deborah, please don’t. ‘ Deborah, this isn’t funny. I’m serious. What if I’m making a mistake? Then answer me honestly.

 Has Adrian ever insulted you? No. Disrespected you, pressured you? Ignored your boundaries? made you feel small. No, actually, he’s done the opposite. Then why are you punishing him for Victor’s sins? ‘ Because I survived Victor once. I don’t know if I can survive another Victor. Grace, God didn’t save your life just so fear could become your new husband.

 Not every door opens to pain. Some doors open to peace. What if I finally believe ‘ again and everything falls apart? Then I’ll help you stand again. But what if this time everything stays together? heart.  You look nervous. ‘ You make me nervous. ‘ I was hoping I’d upgraded to slightly terrifying.

‘ See, this is exactly what I’m talking about.  Making you laugh, ‘ making me forget to protect myself. ‘ Grace, I’m not asking you to trust me today. I’m asking for the opportunity to earn it tomorrow. What if I never become the woman you imagine? ‘ Then I love the woman standing in front of me instead.

‘ You make things sound easy. ‘ No, you just make them ‘ worth the effort. ‘ Maybe coffee wouldn’t be a terrible idea. ‘ You disappear up here a lot. ‘ It’s quieter than downstairs. Or maybe it’s harder for memories to find you up here. ‘ You understand more than people think. ‘ I pay attention, especially to people I care about.

‘ Why are you still here? Most people would have walked away months ago. ‘ Because not everyone runs when things become difficult. ‘ You deserve someone less complicated. ‘ Maybe I already chose him. There. ‘ Now your first kiss after divorce isn’t so scary anymore.  ‘ I’m asking for the opportunity to earn your trust tomorrow.

‘ Deborah, what if I’m changing? Congratulations. You’re human. I’m serious. I think about him now. I hear his voice after he leaves. And somehow that scares me more than sadness ever did. Because sadness became familiar. Happiness is the stranger. What if I’m making a mistake? Grace, the man hasn’t asked you for your body.

 He hasn’t asked you to become someone else. He’s simply asking for a chance to know you. Victor asked me to prove my worth. Adrien keeps trying to show me my worth. ‘ You came. ‘ I almost didn’t. ‘ That sounds like progress. ‘ I need to tell you something. Something important. ‘ Okay, I’m listening. I was married for 6 years.

 When we couldn’t have children, my husband blamed me. He called me broken. He called me a curse. He divorced me. He threw me out. And the worst part wasn’t losing him. It was losing myself. For years, I believed him. So, if you’re looking for someone untouched by pain, I’m not her. If you’re looking for someone without scars, I’m not her either.

 Now, you know everything. If you want to walk away, I’ll understand. ‘ Grace, your scars explains your journey. They do not reduce your value. Survive things that would have broken other people. ‘ And somehow you still remained kind. That doesn’t make you damaged. That makes you extraordinary. ‘ Why aren’t you running? ‘ Because I wasn’t chasing perfection.

 I was looking for you. ‘ You make it difficult to stay afraid. ‘ Good. ‘ Fear has had enough time with you already. You’ve been staring at those papers for almost an hour. I don’t think they’ve changed their minds yet. ‘ Unfortunately, banks don’t negotiate with facial expressions. ‘ Then maybe you should stop trying to intimidate them with yours. There it is.

‘ What? ‘ The smile your mother keeps telling me still exists. ‘ She’s recruiting you to her side already. ‘ Too late. She offered me soup and emotional blackmail. I accepted both. ‘ You know something? You’re different from what I expected. Good, different, or dangerous, different. ‘ Still deciding. ‘ Fair enough.

 I’m still deciding if you’re always this serious. ‘ I wasn’t always. ‘ You still think about her sometimes. ‘ Sometimes isn’t the right word. ‘ I appreciate honesty even when it hurts. ‘ Most people would have walked away after hearing that. ‘ Then maybe I’m not most people. ‘ You’re different. ‘ And I won’t walk away. ‘ Good. I need that.

Your mother thinks I’m already living here. ‘ Trust me, in her mind, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary. ‘ She asked me what color curtains I prefer. ‘ That sounds exactly like her. ‘ Can I ask you something? ‘ Depends how dangerous the question is. ‘ Are you afraid of marriage or afraid of making the same mistake twice? ‘ Both.

‘ That’s fair. ‘ Most people don’t think that. Most people think money fixes the appointment. Money buys comfort, not peace. ‘ You really believe that? ‘ I grew up without money. I know exactly what it can buy and exactly what it can. ‘ Why are you still here, Regina? Honestly, ‘ what kind of question is that? ‘ An honest one. You know my history.

 You know my baggage. You know I’m difficult these days. So why stay? ‘ Because somewhere underneath all this, ‘ there’s still a good man. A wounded one, but still a good man. ‘ You sound very certain. ‘ I am. [snorts] You know, you’re allowed to be happy again. ‘ I’m not sure I remember how. ‘ Then maybe we’ll learn together.

‘ Well, that was either brave or incredibly stupid. [sighs] ‘ Honestly, I think it was brave. ‘ So, grace was only a burden to my son all this time. My son deserves to be happy again.  Adrien, what’s that? ‘ A terrible idea if you say no. ‘ You’re joking. ‘ Not even a little. [sighs and gasps] Adrien, please don’t do this if you’re expecting an answer tonight.

‘ Good, because I’m not here for an answer. I’m here for permission. Permission to ask one day. Can I come inside? ‘ Why are you making this so difficult for me? ‘ I was hoping I was making it easier. ‘ You’re making me hope. That’s worse. ‘ Grace, hope isn’t your enemy. ‘ It used to be for 6 years.

 Hope ‘ disappointed me. ‘ Then let me give it a better reputation. ‘ That line sounded rehearsed. It ‘ wasn’t. Unfortunately, that means I might actually be romantic. So, let me understand this. He showed up with a ring box and somehow you’re the victim. He wasn’t proposing. That’s somehow worse. Continue.

 He asked for permission to ask me later. Grace, where did this man come from? Deborah, be serious. I am serious. That man is respecting your healing more than some people respect marriage vows. What if God is actually answering prayers? I stopped praying. Then maybe it’s time to stop arguing with the answer. Relax, Grace.

 Nobody is being interrogated tonight. ‘ Although Adrien looks close to confessing crimes he didn’t commit. [laughter] ‘ Thank you, Dad. ‘ Very supportive. ‘ Grace, our son cares deeply about you, but this conversation isn’t about what Adrien wants. It’s about what you deserve. Ma’am, ‘ you deserve kindness, respect, safety.

Whether that comes from Adrien or someone else, never settle for less again. ‘ Mother is becoming less subtle every day. ‘ She practically pushed me onto this sofa. ‘ That sounds like her. ‘ Victor, can I ask something? ‘ Go ahead. ‘ If you decide to move forward, will you do it because you want to or because people expect you to? For a long time, I couldn’t tell the difference.

‘ And now, ‘ now I think I’m finally starting to want to. [sighs]  Adrien, can I ask you something difficult? ‘ Those are usually the important questions. ‘ What happens if one day I wake up afraid ‘ again? ‘ Then we face it together. And if I push you away, ‘ then I’ll stand close enough for you to find your way back.

‘ You’re making this very unfair. ‘ How? ‘ You’re removing all my excuses. ‘ Grace, there’s something I need to ask. ‘ Adrien, ‘ I don’t promise a perfect life. I don’t promise easy days. But I promise you’ll never face them alone again. Will you marry me? ‘ Yes. Oh, Adrien. Yes. You really should have given me time to prepare for this.

‘ That’s not a no. ‘ No, it’s not. ‘ Do you take this woman? Absolutely. I wasn’t finished. [laughter] [cheering] [applause] ‘ I wasn’t ‘ finished. Sorry, pastor. Still absolutely. [laughter] ‘ What’s wrong? ‘ Nothing. I’m just looking at prayers I thought God ignored. ‘ What is it? ‘ disappear.

‘ Grace, who sent it, ‘ Victor? ‘ Your ex-husband? ‘ He’s getting married. ‘ He wants me to attend. ‘ Do you think he genuinely wants you there, or does he want you to watch him move on? ‘ With Victor, those two things can look exactly the same. He didn’t send this because he needed another guest. ‘ He sent it because he expected another audience.

‘ Four years. ‘ I thought the past couldn’t reach me anymore. ‘ Sometimes the past doesn’t come back to hurt us. Sometimes it comes back to see whether it still can. ‘ Do you know what scares me?  Tell me. ‘ Not seeing Victor. Seeing the woman I used to be whenever I look at him. ‘ That woman doesn’t live here anymore.

‘ How can you be so sure? ‘ Because every morning I wake up beside the woman she became. Not the woman he left behind. You always know what to say. ‘ No, I just refuse to let someone else’s opinion become your identity again.  Look at you. Finally, this house will feel alive again. ‘ I hope so. ‘ What is it? You’re supposed to look happier than this.

I’m thinking ‘ about Grace. ‘ Son, that chapter is over. Regina loves you. She stood beside you through everything. Stop looking through yesterday’s window. ‘ I know. That’s why I sent Grace the invitation. ‘ Why? ‘ Because when she sees this, she’ll finally understand that I’ve moved on. ‘ Good.

 Then both of you can finally close that door.  Soon I’ll finally become Mrs. Victor Aoro. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I was ‘ just thinking. Thinking or dreaming? Maybe both. ‘ Do you love my son? ‘ I do very much. Good. Because he needs someone who will never leave him. disappear behind those lonely walls.  You’ve been staring at that invitation for almost an hour.

‘ I’m wondering if opening that envelope opened an old wound. ‘ Did it? ‘ No. It reminded me that the wound healed. ‘ That’s the grace I know. ‘ Part of me wants to ignore it. Pretend it never arrived. And the other part, ‘ the other part wants him to see that he didn’t destroy my life. He only walked out of it.

‘ Then don’t go there to prove anything. Go there because you’re no longer afraid. ‘ Sir, all the invitations have been delivered. Good. Including the one for Mrs. ‘ Grace. ‘ Yes, especially that one. I wonder if you’ll come. You probably won’t. Your pride never allowed that. ‘ Hello. ‘ Hi. ‘ Who could that be? Was another VIP invited?  ‘ Grace,

‘ congratulations. I received your invitation. I couldn’t ignore such an important day. ‘ You You look ‘ happy. Yes, I am. ‘ Is he your husband? Yes, he’s my husband. ‘ I thought you would never. ‘ Victor, you didn’t end my story. You only ended your chapter in it. I sincerely wish you both peace.

 Take good care of each other. You didn’t ‘ end my story. You didn’t end my story. ‘ No, I need the truth.  Mr. Okoro, the test shows that the fertility challenge is on your side. There are treatment options, but this result explains why pregnancy did not occur. ‘ Regina, what’s going on? ‘ I’m leaving. ‘ Leaving? We just got married.

 Why? ‘ Because I already knew what those test results would say. ‘ What are you talking about? ‘ I couldn’t stay married to a man who can’t give me children. I’m sorry. I truly am. ‘ So, was any of this real? ‘ Don’t look for me. And if you ever want peace, go and ask Grace to forgive you. Not because she’ll return, but because you’ll never forgive yourself until you admit what you did.

 [singing] ‘ I walked away with shaking hands, a broken heart and silence.