Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 7

The Arranged Marriage Episode 7

Ikenna was the one who took Nnenna to the hospital after the jollof rice saga. Left for Ikenna's mother, no one would have helped Nnenna.

"She doesn't deserve help. She had the mind to lock me in the toilet for a whole day." Ikenna's mother said. But Ikenna has a good heart and he knows there was going to be trouble if Nnenna was allowed to die without help. He was the only one who drove her to the hospital.

Ikenna sat at the edge of the hospital bed. He was looking at Nnenna as she lay quietly under the white bedsheet. Her body was covered with burns, and her face was swollen. The doctor had wrapped most of her upper body with bandages. As she groaned in pain, Ikenna sighed and shook his head in pity.

"I didn't want this for her. No matter how annoying she can be, I never imagined she would end up like this. Temidayo overreacted." Ikenna said.

"Maybe everyone went too far. Maybe they should have handled things differently." He thought in his heart. But it was too late.

Ikenna begged the doctors to do everything possible to save her. Nnenna had cried all the way, her skin burning and her pride shattered.

"She poured hot rice on me. Your so-called queen, Temidayo. You just stood there and watched." Nnena said with weak lips which never stops talking. Ikenna had no words. He felt guilty for inviting Temidayo to the house knowing fully well that he was bringing ant-infested firewood into the compound.

Back home, life took a new shape. With Nnenna in the hospital, Temidayo moved around freely. She helped in the kitchen, cleaned the house, and even made food for Ikenna's parents. Ikenna's mother grew fond of her very quickly.

"You are a gift to this family. I feel peace in this house again." Ikenna's mother told Temidayo one morning.

"Thank you, Mama. I'm just doing my best." Temidayo replied. Ikenna's father also noticed the difference.

"This girl has brought light into this house. We need to support our son's decision this time. Let him marry the woman he truly loves." Ikenna's father said with joy.

Ikenna returned home each day and met peace. No arguments, no insults, no drama. For the first time in months, he began to feel what a real home should feel like. He watched Temidayo as she served food at the dining table and laughed with his mother. Her humility amazed him.

"This is the woman should have married but my parents stopped me. I'm sorry, Nnenna, but I can't go back. Too much has happened. We are not meant to be. This is not how I imagined marriage. I don't love you. You were a mistake from my parents and I'm glad they have realized their error." Ikenna said in his heart.

Temidayo was in the kitchen one evening when Ikenna's mother walked in and started talking to her in a sweet way.

"My daughter, don't go anywhere again. Stay here. This is your home now. You are my son's wife already. I will not allow anyone to push you away again. I have seen your heart, and I know what you carry. Please don't leave." She said.

"Thank you, Mama. I will not disappoint you."

Temidayo said. That same evening, Ikenna walked into the sitting room with a sweet smile.

"Mama, Papa. I want to marry Temidayo traditionally. I want us to fix a date." Ikenna said. Ikenna's parents looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

"You have our full blessing. We'll provide everything you need. Just give us the date." Ikenna's father said.

"Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mama." Temidayo was shocked but happy. Temidayo hugged him tightly. That night, the house was filled with joy. His mother brought out wine and served everyone. His father made calls to some relatives and started preparing for the event. It was a new chapter for the family.

Meanwhile, Nnenna was still in the hospital, recovering slowly. Her wounds were healing, but her anger was growing.

"So they left me here to die while they live like one happy family?" She said to herself. The

nurses avoided her because she had become aggressive. She threw food on the floor and refused to take her medicine.

"They think they can replace me? I will show them." She said. One of the nurses tried to calm her down.

"Madam, you need rest. This anger will not help you heal." The nurse said.

"Don't tell me nonsense. Just do your job." Nnenna replied.

She picked up her phone and went through her gallery. Pictures from the wedding stared back at her. She threw the phone on the bed and covered her face with the bedsheet.

"After everything I went through to get married, they want to push me aside like trash. Never. Not while I'm still alive." She said. The next morning, one of the cleaners in the hospital told her what she heard.

"Madam, I heard that your husband is preparing for another traditional wedding. He's marrying that fine girl that beat you." Nnenna sat up with her bandaged arms. She was shaking in anger.

"What did you say? They've fixed a date. His parents are supporting it. They even say the girl is still in the house." The cleaner walked out, leaving Nnenna boiling with rage.

"No, this can't be happening. They want to disgrace me. They want to erase me like I never existed. They are planning a wedding while I'm still lying here in pain? Let them wait for me. I will not stay here and watch them celebrate. I will go there myself. I will show them madness they've never seen."

Episode 8 coming soon