The poor widow - S01 E09

Story 2 months ago

The poor widow - S01 E09

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 9

The Poor Widow Episode 9

It had been two weeks since Jecintha went to the restaurant to meet the DPO. She had gone there with fear in her heart, but came out with peace. The man who once threatened her in detention had now become calm and respectful. She didn’t know if he was pretending again or if he had truly changed. But life moved on. One bright afternoon, while she was frying akara in front of her shop, her phone rang. It was the DPO. He greeted her warmly and asked if she could meet him again. This time, she said yes.

They agreed to meet at the same restaurant. Jecintha was no longer nervous. She had become strong. She dressed simply, just like before, and arrived on time. The DPO was already there, waiting. He stood up and pulled a chair for her. “You look beautiful,” he said. She smiled and replied, “Thank you.” After they placed their orders, the DPO looked at her closely and said, “I want to tell you something important today.” Jecintha listened carefully. He took a deep breath and said, “From the very first day I saw you, I knew I wanted you as my wife.”

Jecintha was shocked. “What?” she asked in shock. The DPO nodded. “Yes. Everything I did, even when I was acting harsh, was because I didn’t know how to approach you properly. I thought money would convince you, but I saw your strength when you walked away.” He continued, “I realised that if I truly wanted you, I had to respect your dignity. That’s why I never came after you when you left. I wanted you to grow. I wanted you to feel free. Now that you are doing well, I want you to choose me freely—if you want.”

Jecintha didn’t know what to say. The DPO was calm, not rushing her. He looked serious, not playful. “I’m not here to beg or force you,” he added. “I just want you to know how I feel.” He held her hand gently. “I want to marry you. I want to be a father to your children. I want to build a future with you.” Jecintha was quiet. No man had ever spoken to her like that. Her late husband loved her, but she had never heard these kinds of words before. She was touched, but she needed time to think.

That night, she sat down in her room and thought deeply. “Can I marry a man like him?” she asked herself. “Can I trust him?” She remembered all she went through in his house, but she also remembered the peace she felt in the restaurant. “People can change,” she whispered. “And maybe… maybe he truly loves me.” Her children were sleeping, and she looked at their peaceful faces. “They need a father,” she said quietly. “Someone who will love them. Someone who will protect them.” She decided not to rush. She would take her time before giving him an answer.

For days, she prayed about it. She talked to no one. She didn’t want gossip or pressure. Then, one evening, she called the DPO. “I’ve thought about everything,” she said. “And?” he asked. She smiled. “I’m ready. I’ll marry you.” The DPO shouted with joy. “Thank you, thank you!” he said over the phone. He told her he would give her a proper proposal. “You deserve something special,” he said. Jecintha laughed. She had never been proposed to before.

Not even her late husband did that. She felt honoured. It felt good to be treated like a queen for once.

Three days later, the DPO called her again and asked her to meet him at the same restaurant. She arrived in the evening wearing a lovely gown she had kept for special occasions. When she walked in, the place was decorated with flowers. A violinist was playing softly in the corner. Jecintha was shocked. “What is going on?” she asked. The DPO smiled, stood up, and walked to her. In front of everyone, he knelt down and brought out a ring. “Jecintha, will you marry me?” he asked. Her eyes filled with tears. She nodded and said, “Yes. I will.”

Everyone in the restaurant clapped. Some took pictures. Jecintha couldn’t stop smiling. She never imagined her life would turn out like this. From being chased out by a landlord, to losing her husband, to sleeping in the streets… and now, a proper proposal with love and respect. She felt like a woman again. She felt proud of herself. The DPO stood up and placed the ring on her finger. He ki.ssed her forehead and said, “Thank you for giving me a chance.” That night, Jecintha slept with joy in her heart. For the first time in years, she felt complete.

The wedding date was fixed quickly. The DPO didn’t want to waste time. He met Jecintha’s people and formally asked for her hand. Her family was surprised but happy. They had heard all she went through and were proud of how far she had come. The DPO promised to take care of her and the children. He said he was not just marrying her but taking the children as his own. Jecintha’s children were happy too. Junior hugged the DPO and called him “Daddy” for the first time. Plans began immediately. Clothes were sewn. Invitations were shared. Joy filled her heart.

To be continued