She Couldn’t Watch Her Co-Wife’s Daughter Marry A Rich Man… So She Did This!”| AFRICAN STORIES BYVEE – Ty

“That man should be mine.” Her voice trembled as she added, “I deserve to marry a wealthy man.” She looked directly at her mother. “You must do something.” Lolongedika slowly placed the vegetables aside. Her face became serious. Inside her heart, jealousy was also beginning to grow.

She had never liked seeing Adaeze receive praise from the villagers. Now the girl was about to marry a wealthy merchant. That thought irritated her deeply. She looked at her daughter carefully. “Are you sure he is the same man?” she asked. “Yes,” Amarachi replied firmly. “I recognized him when people described him.” Her mother leaned back slightly.

Then a cold smile slowly appeared on her face. “If that is the case,” she said quietly, “then this matter is not finished.” In the peaceful ancient village of Eziobodo, life moved slowly and calmly. The village was surrounded by tall palm trees that swayed gently whenever the wind passed through them. Long red earth roads stretched across the land, connecting small compounds built with mud walls and thatched roofs.

Early in the morning, the sounds of birds filled the air and the smell of firewood smoke rose from many cooking huts as women prepared food for their families. The people of Eziobodo lived simple lives. Most of them were farmers, traders, and craftsmen. They worked hard during the day and rested peacefully at night.

In the evenings, elders gathered under the large Udala tree in the center of the village to talk about life and share stories from the past. Among the many families living in Eziobodo, there was one small household that many people in the village knew well. In that home lived a young woman named Adaeze. Adaeze lived with her mother, Nneka, and her younger brother, Kelechi.

Their house stood at the corner of a large family compound. The house was small and simple, made from mud walls and covered with an old thatched roof that had been repaired many times. Around the house were small farming spaces where they planted vegetables like okra, pumpkin leaves, and peppers. Even though the house was simple, it was always clean and peaceful.

Nneka believed that a poor home should still be a neat home. Every morning, Adaeze would sweep the compound carefully with a broom made from dried palm leaves. She made sure the ground looked smooth and tidy before the sun rose high in the sky. Life had not always been this way for their family. Many years earlier, Adaeze’s father, Mazieze Nwa, had been alive and strong.

He was known in the village as a hard-working farmer who cared deeply for his family. People respected him because he was honest and generous. But one unfortunate season, he suddenly fell ill with a strange sickness. At first, the family believed it was something small that would pass quickly. But the sickness became worse day after day.

Before anyone truly understood what was happening, Mazieze Nwa passed away. His death left the family in deep sorrow. For Nneka, losing her husband was like losing the strong pillar that held her world together. Suddenly, she became a widow with two young children to care for. The burden of life became heavy overnight.

After his death, many things changed. Some relatives who once visited often stopped coming. Some people who used to help became distant. The little wealth the family once had slowly disappeared as time passed. Soon, poverty entered their home like an uninvited guest that refused to leave. But even though life became difficult, Nneka refused to give up.

She worked harder than ever before. She farmed small portions of land, sold vegetables in the market, and did whatever she could to provide food for her children. Adaeze, who was still very young at the time of her father’s death, grew up watching her mother struggle with courage and patience. As she grew older, she began helping her mother with many responsibilities.

By the time she became a young woman, Adaeze had already learned the value of hard work. Every day, she woke up before the first rooster crowed. The village would still be dark and quiet when she opened her eyes. She would quickly tie her wrapper around her waist, wash her face with cool water from a clay pot, and step outside into the early morning air.

Her first task was always sweeping the compound. She moved the broom across the ground carefully, removing fallen leaves and dust. When the compound looked clean, she would go inside to help her mother prepare for the day. Sometimes she helped cook simple food like boiled yam or pap for breakfast. Other mornings, she followed her mother straight to their small farm outside the compound.

The farm was not very large, but it provided enough vegetables for them to eat and sell. Adaeze worked beside her mother, pulling weeds from the soil and watering the crops carefully. When the sun began to rise higher in the sky, they would harvest some of the vegetables and prepare them for the market. After returning home from the farm, Adaeze would carry a large basket filled with fresh vegetables on her head.

Her mother would carry another basket, and together they would walk along the red earth road leading to the village market. The market in Eziobodo was always busy and lively. Women sat behind wooden tables displaying their goods. Some sold vegetables, others sold dried fish, palm oil, or woven baskets.

The air was filled with voices of traders calling customers and bargaining over prices. Adaeze and her mother had a small corner where they arranged their vegetables neatly. Many people liked buying from them because Adaeze was always honest. She never cheated anyone, and she always greeted customers with respect.

If an elderly woman came to buy vegetables, Adaeze would often add a little extra to the basket without asking for more money. If someone did not have enough money to buy food, she sometimes allowed them to pay later. Because of her kindness, many women in the market trusted her. “Your daughter is a good girl,” they often told Nneka.

“She will bring great honor to your family one day.” Whenever elders passed by the market, Adaeze would always stand up to greet them properly. She would bow her head respectfully and say, “Good afternoon, elder.” The elders would smile warmly and bless her. “My daughter, may your life be filled with good things,” they would say.

Adaeze never allowed praise to enter her head with pride. She remained humble and respectful to everyone. Her beauty was also noticed by many people in the village. She had calm eyes, smooth dark skin, and a gentle smile that made people feel comfortable around her. Many young men in Eziobodo admired her. Sometimes they tried to start conversations with her in the market.

Some even sent messages through friends to ask if she would consider marrying her. But Adaeze never rushed into love. She believed that marriage was something serious that required patience and wisdom. She had watched her mother suffer after losing her husband, and she understood that choosing the right partner was important.

Whenever people asked why she was not in a hurry to marry, she would simply smile and say something that surprised many people. “The right person will come at the right time,” she would say calmly. Her focus remained on helping her mother and supporting her younger brother, Kelechi. Kelechi was still growing and attending the village school.

Adaeze often helped him with small things like preparing his clothes, making sure he had food to eat, and encouraging him to study hard. She believed that education could give him a better future. Even though their family lived in poverty, Adaeze carried herself with dignity and quiet strength. People in the village respected her, not only for her beauty, but for her character.

In Eziobodo, where many stories of pride, jealousy, and rivalry existed between families, Adaeze stood out like a calm light in the middle of darkness. Many people did not know that the peaceful life she lived would soon face a storm that would shake the entire village. But for now, Adaeze continued living her simple life, working hard, helping others, and believing that the right man would come into her life at the right time.

The family compound where Adaeze lived was one of the oldest compounds in the village of Eziobodo. It was large and surrounded by tall trees and mud fences that had been standing for many years. Inside the compound were several small mud houses arranged in a wide circle around an open yard where family activities often took place.

Many years ago, the compound had been full of laughter and unity when the two brothers who owned it were both alive and strong. The elder brother, Mazieze Nwa, was Adaeze’s father. The younger brother was Mazie Okafor. The two brothers had grown up together in the compound and shared the land peacefully. When Adaeze’s father was alive, the compound was a place of harmony.

The two brothers farmed together and supported each other like true family. Their wives also lived in the compound, and even though they had different personalities, life was manageable because the elder brother kept order and balance in the household. But everything changed the day Mazi Ezenwa died.

His sudden death shook the entire compound and left a deep space that could never truly be filled again. As the elder brother, he had been the one who commanded respect in the family. Without him, the balance that once existed slowly disappeared. After the burial and mourning period ended, Mazi Okafor naturally became the head of the compound since he was now the oldest man remaining in the household.

At first, things seemed normal, but as time passed, a quiet tension began to grow inside the compound. Mazi Okafor and his wife lived in the larger part of the compound, while Adaeze’s mother, Nneka, and her children remained in the smaller section that belonged to their late husband and father. Nneka was a very quiet and humble woman.

She rarely argued with anyone and always tried to keep peace within the family. Even after her husband died, she continued to show respect to her brother-in-law as the head of the compound. But Mazi Okafor’s wife, Lolo Njdeke, was a completely different kind of woman. She was proud, loud, and loved attention.

Wherever she went, she wanted people to notice her. She enjoyed wearing bright wrappers, expensive beads, and large head ties that made her stand out in the crowd. In the village market and at social gatherings, Lolo Njdeke often walked like a queen who believed she was more important than others. While Nneka lived a quiet life filled with hard work and humility, Lolo Njdeke believed that respect should come from wealth and appearance.

From the moment Nneka became a widow, something began to grow in Lolo Njdeke’s heart, jealousy. At first, it was small and quiet. She noticed how the villagers treated Nneka with kindness and sympathy because of the hardship she was facing. Women in the village often helped her, and elders spoke kindly to her whenever they saw her.

Instead of feeling compassion, Lolo Njdeke felt irritated by the attention Nneka received. In her mind, she believed that as the wife of the new head of the compound, she deserved to be the most respected woman in the household. But that was not how the villagers saw things. People respected Nneka because of her patience, humility, and quiet strength.

They saw how she struggled to raise her children alone and admired her courage. That respect slowly became something that Lolo Njdeke could not stand. And as the years passed, another reason for jealousy began to grow. Adaeze. As Adaeze grew older, her character and beauty began to attract admiration from people in the village.

Women praised her hard-working nature. Elders spoke about her respectful greetings. Even children loved her because she was always kind to them. Whenever Adaeze walked through the market with her basket of vegetables, people greeted her warmly. Many times, people compared her to her cousin, Amarachi. Amarachi was the daughter of Lolo Njdeke.

She was beautiful in her own way and enjoyed dressing well, but unlike Adaeze, Amarachi loved attention and praise. She liked people talking about her beauty and often spent time decorating her hair and wearing colorful clothes. She believed that because her father was the head of the compound, she should naturally be admired by everyone in the village.

But something bothered her deeply. Whenever villagers spoke about good character, hard work, or respect, the name they mentioned most was Adaeze. Sometimes, Amarachi overheard women in the market saying things like, “That girl is truly well-raised. She behaves like a future queen. Any man who marries her will be lucky.

” Those words always made Amarachi uncomfortable. She would return home and complain to her mother. “Why do people always praise her?” she would ask with frustration. “Am I not beautiful, too?” Lolo Njdeke would shake her head with annoyance. “They only pity her because her father died,” she would say. “If your father had died, too, maybe they would be praising you instead.

” But even as she spoke those words, Lolo Njdeke knew the truth deep in her heart. The villagers respected Adaeze because of her character. That truth made the jealousy in her heart grow stronger. Inside the compound, the tension between the two households slowly became noticeable. Whenever Nneka and her children passed through the main yard, Lolo Njdeke sometimes looked at them with cold eyes.

She rarely greeted them warmly. Sometimes, she whispered complaints to her husband about how Nneka’s family was receiving too much sympathy from the villagers. Mazi Okafor usually ignored such complaints. He was a quiet man who preferred avoiding unnecessary conflict. But even though open arguments were rare, the atmosphere in the compound was no longer peaceful.

It was like living in a house where two silent storms were slowly forming. Adaeze tried her best to remain respectful to everyone, including her aunt. Whenever she saw Lolo Njdeke, she greeted her politely. “Good morning, Mama,” she would say with respect. But many times, the greeting was answered with a short nod or cold silence.

Amarachi also began to show her jealousy openly. Sometimes, when Adaeze passed by wearing simple but neat clothes, Amarachi would whisper mocking comments to her friends. “She thinks she’s better than everyone,” she would say. But despite the quiet hostility, Adaeze never allowed bitterness to enter her heart.

She remained focused on helping her mother and supporting her brother. Meanwhile, inside the hearts of Lolo Njdeke and Amarachi, jealousy continued to grow like a hidden fire. Whenever villagers praised the hard-working young woman, that fire burned even hotter. They believed that admiration in the village should belong to them instead. And slowly, that jealousy began to prepare the ground for the terrible events that would soon shake the entire village of Eziobodo.

The dry season had fully settled over the village of Eziobodo. The bright sun shone strongly over the red earth roads, and the tall palm trees moved slowly whenever the wind passed through them. The air was warm, and dust sometimes rose gently whenever people walked along the narrow paths of the village. Life in Eziobodo continued in its usual peaceful way.

Farmers worked in their fields, traders prepared their goods for the market, and children ran around playing in the open spaces between the mud houses. On one particular afternoon, when the sun was already leaning toward the west, something new happened in the village. A stranger arrived. He was a young man who walked into the village with calm confidence.

His clothes were neat and expensive, and he carried himself like someone who was used to traveling long distances. The young man’s name was Obinna. Obinna was not an ordinary traveler. He was a respected merchant known in many nearby towns. His business involved traveling from village to village, buying palm produce, livestock, and other goods that he later sold in larger markets far away.

Over the years, he had built a good reputation for himself. Many people respected him not only because he was successful in business, but also because he treated people with kindness and honesty. Even though he had wealth, he was not proud. He spoke politely to everyone and always behaved with good manners wherever he went.

On that afternoon, Obinna had arrived in Eziobodo for business. He had heard that the farmers in the village produced a large amount of palm produce during the dry season, and he wanted to buy some goods for his trade. But because he had never visited the village before, he did not know the houses of the elders or the leaders he needed to meet.

As he walked along the red earth road that led into the center of the village, he looked around carefully. He saw women returning from the farms with baskets on their heads, men repairing tools under trees, and children chasing one another while laughing loudly. Everything about the village looked calm and welcoming.

At that moment, someone else was also walking along the same road. It was Amarachi. Amarachi, the daughter of Lolo Njdeke, had just finished fetching water from the village stream. Like many young women in the village, she carried a clay pot filled with water balanced carefully on her head. Her wrapper was tied tightly around her waist, and her colorful blouse moved gently as she walked home.

She had decorated her hair neatly that morning and walked with confidence as she returned home. As Amarachi walked along the road, she suddenly saw a man approaching from the opposite direction. At first, she thought he was just another traveler passing through the village. But as the man came closer, she realized that he looked different from the usual visitors who came to Eziobodo.

His clothes were cleaner and more expensive than what most villagers wore. His shoes were strong leather, and he carried a small travel bag across his shoulder. But what caught Amarachi’s attention the most was his appearance. Obinna was a handsome young man with a calm face and confident posture. His skin shone slightly under the sunlight, and his eyes moved around the village carefully, as if he was observing everything.

For a brief moment, Amarachi slowed her steps. She tried not to stare too much, but her curiosity grew stronger with every step the stranger took closer to her. When Obinna finally reached her, he stopped politely. He removed his cap slightly as a sign of respect and greeted her. “Good afternoon.

” He said in a calm and gentle voice. Amarachi felt slightly surprised by his polite greeting. Many men in the village spoke quickly or casually, but this stranger spoke with careful respect. She answered him quickly. “Good afternoon.” Obinna smiled kindly. “Please, can you help me?” He asked politely. “I am new in this village and I’m looking for the house of one of the elders.

I was told his name is Mazi Wonko.” Amarachi quickly understood what he was asking. Mazi Wonko was a respected elder in Iyi-Obodo. Visitors who came for business often met him first because introduce them to the farmers and traders in the village. Amarachi raised her hand and pointed toward a road that curved behind several houses. “You see that big mango tree over there?” She said.

Obinna turned his head and saw the tree. “Yes, I see it.” “Follow the road beside that tree.” Amarachi explained. “When you reach the next compound, ask anyone there. They will show you the elder’s house.” Obinna listened carefully and nodded. “Thank you very much.” He said politely. He gave her a warm smile before adjusting his travel bag again.

Then he continued walking along the road she had shown him. The entire conversation lasted only a few moments, but for Amarachi, something strange had already happened inside her heart. As she watched Obinna walk away, she found herself staring after him. She could not explain exactly why, but the stranger’s appearance and confidence had captured her attention immediately.

His calm voice kept repeating in her mind. The way he spoke politely and the way he carried himself made him look different from the young men she usually saw in the village. Amarachi remained standing on the road for a few seconds, still holding the clay pot of water on her head. She finally shook her head slightly and continued walking home.

But as she walked, her mind was no longer calm. Thoughts about the handsome stranger filled her mind. “Who is he?” She wondered silently. “He must be a very important man.” By the time she reached her family compound, her excitement had already grown. She carefully lowered the clay pot from her head and placed it near the kitchen hut.

Then she quickly entered the house where her mother was sitting. Lolo Njideka was resting inside, sorting some dried pepper that she planned to sell later in the market. When Amarachi entered the room, her face was filled with excitement. “Mama!” She called out. Lolo Njideka looked up slowly. “What is it?” She asked.

Amarachi sat down beside her mother, but could hardly hide the excitement in her voice. “I just saw someone.” She said quickly. Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Who did you see?” “A man.” Amarachi replied. Lolo Njideka sighed slightly. “You are shouting because you saw a man?” But Amarachi shook her head quickly.

“No, Mama. This one is different.” She began to describe the stranger she had just met on the road. She talked about his neat clothes, his confident walk, and the respectful way he greeted her. She explained how he asked for directions to the house of an elder. But the more she spoke, the more she excited. “He is very handsome.” She added.

“And he looks rich, too.” Lolo Njideka listened quietly as her daughter continued talking. She noticed the excitement in Amarachi’s voice and became curious. “So, what happened after that?” She asked. “He thanked me and went to find the elder.” Amarachi said. Then she leaned closer to her mother and spoke with confidence.

“Mama, I feel something inside me.” Her mother looked at her carefully. “What do you mean?” Amarachi smiled slightly. “I believe that man is the one I will marry.” Lolo Njideka looked at her daughter in surprise. “You just met him today.” “Yes.” Amarachi said confidently. “But I know what I felt.” Her mother remained silent for a moment.

Then she slowly smiled. “Well.” She said quietly. “If the man is truly rich and handsome like you say, maybe something can be arranged.” Amarachi’s eyes shone with excitement. Neither of them knew that fate had already started moving in a completely different direction. After Amarachi finished telling her mother about the handsome stranger she had met on the road, the small room inside their house became quiet for a moment.

Lolo Njideka sat still, slowly rubbing the dried peppers between her fingers as she thought carefully about what her daughter had just said. Amarachi, however, could not hide her excitement. She kept repeating the story again and again. “He spoke so politely.” She said. “And his clothes looked very expensive.

Mama, you should have seen the way he carried himself. That man is not poor.” Lolo Njideka finally placed the peppers aside and looked directly at her daughter. “Are you sure he looked wealthy?” She asked seriously. Amarachi nodded quickly. “Yes, Mama. Even his shoes were made of strong leather and the bag he carried looked like something only rich traders use.

” Lolo Njideka leaned back slightly and folded her arms. In the village of Iyi-Obodo, wealth meant respect. People who had money were treated differently. Their opinions carried more weight in village meetings and their families were often admired. Lolo Njideka had always wanted that kind of attention. Even though her husband, Mazi Okafor, was the head of the compound after his elder brother’s death, they were not truly wealthy.

They lived comfortably, but they were not among the richest families in the village. Deep in her heart, Lolo Njideka always dreamed of raising her family status. If her daughter married a rich man, their household would become more important. People would speak about them with admiration. Women in the market would envy them and she herself would walk proudly through the village knowing that her daughter had married well.

The thought made her smile slowly. “So, he asked for the house of Mazi Wonko?” She asked. “Yes.” Amarachi replied. “I showed him the road.” Lolo Njideka nodded thoughtfully. Mazi Wonko was one of the elders who often helped visiting traders do business in the village. If the stranger had gone to see him, it meant he had come for serious trade.

That confirmed her suspicion. The man was probably a merchant and merchants often made good money. Lolo Njideka leaned closer to her daughter. “Listen to me carefully.” She said in a calm but firm voice. Amarachi sat up straight. “If this man is truly rich and handsome like you described, we must not allow another woman in this village to take him away.

” Amarachi’s eyes widened slightly. “You mean?” “Yes.” Lolo Njideka said confidently. “We must make sure he becomes part of this family.” A wide smile spread across Amarachi’s face. “I knew you would understand, Mama.” She said happily. Her mother smiled slightly, but her mind was already thinking about many possibilities.

In villages like Iyi-Obodo, marriage was not only about love. Families also considered wealth, reputation, and connections. If Amarachi married a rich merchant, it would change many things. But first, they needed to learn more about the stranger. “Did he tell you his name?” Lolo Njideka asked. “No, Mama. He only asked for directions.” Her mother sighed softly.

“That means we must wait and watch carefully.” She said. Amarachi nodded. But even though she agreed, her heart was already full of hope. She imagined the stranger returning to the compound to ask for her hand in marriage. She imagined herself wearing beautiful clothes and walking proudly beside a wealthy husband.

Those thoughts made her feel important. However, while Amarachi and her mother were busy dreaming inside their house, something else was happening in another part of the village. Obinna, the merchant, had successfully found the compound of Mazi Wonko. The elder welcomed him politely as visitors were always treated with respect in Iyi-Obodo.

Obinna explained that he had come to the village to buy palm produce and livestock. Mazi Wonko listened carefully and promised to introduce him to some farmers who could sell him the goods he needed. Because Obinna planned to stay in the village for several days to complete his business, the elder allowed him to stay in a guest hut within his compound.

Over the next few days, Obinna began moving around the village, meeting farmers and traders. He visited the farms, spoke with villagers, and discussed prices for palm produce. During these visits, he also began hearing many things about the people of Iyi-Obodo. Villagers loved talking to visitors. They often shared stories about the community, the families, and the people who lived there.

One afternoon, while Obinna was speaking with a group of women in the market, he heard something interesting. The women were discussing someone. “That girl is truly hardworking.” one woman said. “Yes.” another woman replied. “She wakes up earlier than many people in this village.” Obinna listened quietly as they continued talking.

“She takes care of her mother and younger brother.” another woman added. “And she never complains.” someone else said. Obinna became curious. “Who are you talking about?” he asked politely. The women smiled. “You must be new in this village.” one woman said. “Yes.” Obinna replied. The woman nodded. “We are talking about Adaeze.

” she explained. Obinna listened carefully. The women continued describing the young woman. They spoke about her kindness in the market. They talked about how she always treated customers honestly. Some even mentioned how she helped elderly people carry their goods. One woman laughed softly. “That girl is too good.” she said.

“If you are lucky enough to marry her, your home will always have peace.” The other women nodded with agreement. Obinna found himself interested in this conversation. Many villages had beautiful women, but it was rare to hear so many people speak so highly about someone’s character. Later that same day, while visiting one of the farms to inspect palm produce, he heard the same name again.

The farmer he was speaking with mentioned her. “That girl helps her mother on the farm every morning.” the farmer said. “She works harder than some men.” Obinna smiled slightly. It was becoming clear that this Adaeze was someone many people respected. Even children in the village sometimes mentioned her name.

One evening, while Obinna sat under a tree resting after a long day of work, he overheard two children talking nearby. “Adaeze gave me mango yesterday.” one child said happily. “She always shares things with people.” the other child replied. Obinna looked at the children with curiosity.

It was unusual to hear children speak so kindly about someone. By that time, his interest had grown stronger. Who was this young woman that everyone admired? He had not seen her yet, but her name kept appearing in conversations everywhere he went. The market women praised her kindness, farmers admired her hard work, children spoke about her generosity.

That kind of reputation was rare. Obinna leaned back slightly and thought about it. Perhaps he should see this young woman for himself. Not because he had any serious intention yet, but because he was curious. A person who received so much respect from an entire village must be special. The next market day would be the perfect opportunity.

Many villagers would gather there and he might finally see the mysterious young woman everyone seemed to admire. As the sun slowly began to set that evening, Obinna stood up and prepared to return to the elder’s compound. In his mind, a simple curiosity had already begun to grow. He wanted to see the person everyone in Iziobodo was talking about.

And that small curiosity was quietly moving the story of many lives towards a future none of them could yet imagine. The next market day in Iziobodo arrived with its usual energy and excitement. Long before the sun fully rose, women from many parts of the village were already preparing their goods to take to the market. Some carried baskets filled with vegetables, others brought smoked fish, palm oil, yams, or fresh fruits from their farms.

The red earth road leading to the market soon became busy with people walking in different directions. The sound of voices, laughter, and bargaining slowly filled the air as traders arranged their goods under small wooden stalls and shade umbrellas. Adaeze and her mother, Nneka, also prepared early that morning.

Like every market day, Adaeze woke before the first rooster crowed. She swept the compound carefully and helped her mother gather fresh vegetables from their small farm. They harvested green pumpkin leaves, fresh peppers, okra, and garden eggs. After washing the vegetables, they arranged them neatly inside large baskets.

When everything was ready, Adaeze lifted one basket onto her head while her mother carried another. Together, they walked slowly toward the market along the familiar red earth path. The morning air was still cool and the rising sun painted the sky with soft colors. As they walked, they greeted neighbors and other traders who were also heading to the market.

“Good morning.” Adaeze greeted politely. “Good morning, my daughter.” many people replied warmly. Soon, they arrived at the busy market square. The market in Iziobodo was not very large, but it was always lively. Traders sat behind wooden tables or spread mats on the ground to display their goods. The smell of roasted corn, fried akara, and fresh vegetables filled the air.

Adaeze and her mother went to their usual corner, a small space they had used for many years. There, they began arranging their vegetables neatly. Adaeze carefully placed the pumpkin leaves in one basket, lined up the okra in another, and arranged the peppers so they looked fresh and attractive to customers.

Even though their stall was small, Adaeze always made sure it looked clean and organized. As they worked, customers began arriving. Women from nearby compounds stopped to greet them. Some came to buy vegetables for their families’ meals. “Adaeze, give me fresh peppers today.” one woman said. “Yes, Mama.

” Adaeze replied with a smile as she measured the peppers carefully. She treated every customer with respect and patience. She never rushed anyone, even when the market became busy. Meanwhile, in another part of the market, Obinna had also arrived. The merchant had come early to meet some farmers who wanted to sell palm produce, but even as he handled his business discussions, something else was on his mind.

The conversations he had heard about Adaeze in the previous days had remained in his thoughts. Many people had spoken about her with admiration. He was curious to see her for himself. After finishing one of his business meetings, he decided to walk around the market for a short while. As he moved between different stalls, he observed the traders and customers around him.

The market was full of movement. Women called out prices for their goods, children ran between stalls, and buyers bargained loudly with sellers. Obinna walked slowly, looking around with calm interest. Then, suddenly, he saw her. In a small corner of the market, a young woman was standing beside a basket of vegetables.

She was speaking gently to an older woman who had come to buy pumpkin leaves. The young woman wore a simple wrapper tied neatly around her waist and a modest blouse. Her hair was tied in a simple style and she wore no expensive jewelry. But something about her presence immediately caught Obinna’s attention. It was not only her beauty.

Her calm and respectful behavior stood out even more. As she spoke to the customer, she smiled gently and measured the vegetables carefully. When the older woman tried to give her more money than required, Adaeze politely returned the extra coins. “No, Mama.” she said kindly. “This is the correct price.” The older woman smiled with appreciation.

“May God bless you, my daughter.” she said before walking away. Obinna watched the scene quietly. Something inside his heart moved. The young woman did not look proud or desperate for attention. She carried herself with quiet dignity and natural grace. He looked around and noticed that the woman standing beside her must be her mother.

The two of them worked together peacefully, arranging vegetables and attending to customers. Obinna felt curious. He walked a little closer, pretending to observe the other stalls nearby, but his eyes kept returning to the young woman. He listened as people greeted her warmly. “Adaeze, good morning.” “My daughter, your vegetables are always fresh.

” Each time someone greeted her, she responded politely. “Good morning, Mama.” “Thank you, Papa.” Her voice was soft but confident. After watching for several minutes, Obinna realized something clearly. This must be the same Adaeze that everyone in the village was talking about. The hardworking young woman with a good heart.

Without realizing it, he found himself smiling. Later that day, after finishing his business in the market, Obinna returned to the compound of Mazi Mkwanku. But Adaeze remained in his thoughts. That evening, he spoke with the elder. “Mazi Mkwanku.” he said respectfully. “There is something I would like to ask.

” The elder looked at him with interest. “What is it, my son?” “I saw a young woman in the market today. She was selling vegetables with her mother.” The elder nodded slowly. “There are many women selling vegetables in this village.” Obinna smiled slightly. “Her name is Adaeze.” At that moment, the elder understood. “Ah, so you have seen her.

” Obinna nodded. “Yes.” The elder leaned back slightly. “That girl is truly a good person.” he said. “Her family has suffered many hardships since her father died, but she remains respectful and hardworking.” Obinna listened carefully. “Can you tell me more about her family?” he asked. The elder explained the story of Adaeze’s father and the struggles the family had faced since his death.

He also spoke about how Adaeze helped her mother take care of her younger brother. As Obinna listened, his respect for the young woman grew even stronger. Finally, he made a decision. “Mazi Nkwanku,” he said seriously, “I would like to visit her family.” The elder smiled. “That is a good intention.” In Igbo tradition, a man who wished to show interest in a woman usually visited her home with elders to introduce himself respectfully.

The next day, Obinna prepared himself carefully. He dressed neatly and carried drinks and kola nuts as a sign of respect. Mazi Nkwanku and two other elders from the village agreed to accompany him. Together, they walked toward Adaeze’s family compound. When they arrived, Nneka was surprised to see respected elders standing at her gate.

She quickly greeted them with respect. “Welcome,” she said politely. They entered the compound and sat down. Adaeze soon came out of the house after hearing voices. When she saw the visitors, she greeted them respectfully. Her younger brother, Kelechi, also appeared and stood quietly beside her mother. Mazi Nkwanku cleared his throat gently.

“We have come here today with good intentions,” he said. Then, he introduced Obinna. “This young man is a merchant who has been doing business in our village.” Obinna stood respectfully. He removed his cap slightly and greeted the family. “Good afternoon,” he said politely. Nneka nodded. “You are welcome.” The elder then continued.

“This young man has come to express his interest in your daughter.” There was a moment of silence in the compound. Then, Obinna spoke clearly. “I have observed your daughter’s character and behavior,” he said respectfully. “I admire her humility and hard work.” He looked toward Adaeze. “With your permission, I would like to ask her for her hand in marriage.

” The words filled the compound with quiet surprise. Nneka looked at her daughter, then back at the visitors. Her heart was filled with both emotion and hope. The meeting was peaceful and filled with joy. The widowed mother welcomed him warmly, and the young brother was excited to see such an honorable man visit their house.

The merchant openly declared his intention to marry the young woman. The news of the visit that happened in Adaeze’s compound did not remain secret for long. In a village like Ezioboro, where people lived closely together and everyone knew one another, important events traveled quickly from house to house. By the next morning, many people in the village had already heard about the wealthy merchant who had come with elders to ask for Adaeze’s hand in marriage.

Women in the market were the first to spread the story. As they arranged their goods on wooden tables and mats, they began whispering the exciting news. “Have you heard what happened yesterday?” one woman asked. Another woman looked up with curiosity. “What happened?” “A rich merchant from another town came to Adaeze’s house with elders.

” The second woman’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?” “Yes, they say he wants to marry her.” Soon, the story began to grow as more women joined the conversation. “That girl deserves it,” one elderly trader said with a smile. “She has suffered too much with her mother since her father died,” another woman added.

“Yes,” a third woman said, “God has finally remembered their family.” Some women even spoke about the man himself. “I saw him in the market 2 days ago,” one woman said. “He looks like a responsible man.” Another woman added, “People say he is a wealthy trader. He will take good care of Adaeze.” As these conversations continued, the news moved beyond the market.

Farmers spoke about it while working in their fields. Children carried the story as they ran through the village paths. Even elders sitting under the large Udala tree in the village square discussed it quietly. Many people were happy. They had watched Adaeze grow up from a hardworking child into a responsible young woman.

They had seen her help her widowed mother through many years of struggle. To them, this marriage proposal felt like a reward for her patience and good character. “This is good news,” some elders said. “That girl deserves happiness.” Meanwhile, inside Adaeze’s small compound, there was also quiet joy. Nneka felt deep gratitude in her heart.

For many years, she had worried about her daughter’s future. Raising children alone had not been easy. Sometimes, she feared that poverty might prevent her daughter from finding a good husband. But now, a respected merchant had come with elders to ask for Adaeze’s hand in marriage. That was a good sign. Kelechi, Adaeze’s younger brother, was also very excited.

He followed his sister around the compound asking many questions. “Sister, is it true?” he asked with wide eyes. Adaeze smiled shyly. “What is true?” “That the rich merchant wants to marry you.” Adaeze laughed softly. “Do not start celebrating too early,” she said gently. But even though she tried to remain calm, a small happiness had begun to grow inside her heart.

However, while joy was spreading through many parts of the village, something very different was happening in another house inside the same family compound. Inside the house of Lolo Njideka, the atmosphere was far from joyful. That afternoon, Amarachi returned from visiting a friend in another part of the village.

When she entered the compound, she noticed two women standing near the entrance talking quietly. When she passed them, she heard something that made her stop walking. “The wealthy merchant wants to marry Adaeze,” one woman was saying. Amarachi froze. She slowly turned her head. “Who?” Amarachi asked sharply. The women looked at her. “Oh, you have not heard yet?” one of them said.

“He visited Adaeze’s house yesterday with elders.” The second woman’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?” “Yes, they say he wants to marry her.” At that moment, Amarachi’s mind quickly remembered the stranger she had met on the road days earlier. Her body became stiff. “What does he look like?” she asked quickly. The women began describing him.

“He is tall and handsome,” one said. “He wears expensive clothes,” another added. As Amarachi listened, her heart began to pound harder. It was him. The same stranger. The same man who had politely asked her for directions to the house of an elder. The same man whose voice and appearance had filled her thoughts for days.

Now, the villagers were saying that he wanted to marry Adaeze. Her cousin. Amarachi’s chest tightened with anger. Without saying another word, she quickly walked away from the women and entered her house. Inside, Lolo Njideka was sitting on a wooden stool preparing vegetables for cooking. When she saw the look on her face, she frowned.

“What is wrong with you?” Amarachi dropped the small basket she was carrying and walked closer. “Mama,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion, “something terrible has happened.” Her mother looked up calmly. “What are you talking about?” Amarachi took a deep breath. “The merchant who came to the village.” “Yes,” her mother said.

“He wants to marry Adaeze.” Lolo Njideka paused for a moment. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “What merchant?” Amarachi said quickly, “The same man I told you about. The one who asked me for directions that day.” Her mother’s expression slowly changed. “You mean the handsome stranger you met on the road?” “Yes,” Amarachi said loudly, “that same man.

” For a few seconds, the room became quiet. Then, anger slowly appeared on Amarachi’s face. “This is not fair,” she said bitterly. “I saw him first.” Her mother continued looking at her. Her voice became louder as her frustration grew. “I told you about him before anyone else in this village even knew he existed.

” She began pacing around the room. “How can he suddenly decide to marry Adaeze?” Her jealousy had finally exploded. Amarachi could not accept the idea. In her mind, she believed that she deserved the wealthy merchant more than her cousin. She believed she was more beautiful, more confident, and more worthy of admiration.

Yet, the man had chosen Adaeze, the quiet girl who lived in poverty. Tears began forming in Amarachi’s eyes. “Mama,” she said emotionally, “Adaeze does not deserve him.” Her mother remained silent for a moment. Then, Amarachi continued speaking through her anger. “That man should be mine.” Her voice trembled as she added, “I deserve to marry a wealthy man.

” She looked directly at her mother. “You must do something.” Lolo Njideka slowly placed the vegetables aside. Her face became serious. Inside her heart, jealousy was also beginning to grow. She had never liked seeing Adaeze receive praise from the villagers. Now, the girl was about to marry a wealthy merchant. That thought irritated her deeply.

She looked at her daughter carefully. “Are you sure he is the same man?” she asked. “Yes,” Amarachi replied firmly. “I recognized him when people described him.” Her mother leaned back slightly. Then, a cold smile slowly appeared on her face. “If that is the case,” she said quietly, “then this matter is not finished.

” Amarachi stopped pacing and looked at her mother. “What do you mean?” Lolo Njideka stood up slowly. Her eyes carried a strange determination. “My daughter,” she said calmly, “you must stop crying.” Amarachi wiped her tears. “Why?” Her mother walked closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Because I will not allow that marriage to happen.” Amarachi stared at her.

“You will not.” Lolongedika shook her head slowly. “No.” Her voice became firm and cold. “That man will not marry Adaeze.” A dangerous determination had entered her heart. And in that moment, neither mother nor daughter knew that their jealousy had just started a chain of events that would soon shake the entire village of Eziobodo.

After the conversation between Amarachi and her mother that afternoon, the compound became quiet again. But inside the heart of Lolongedika, there was no peace. She sat alone in her room long after the sun had gone down. The small lantern in the corner of the room flickered softly, casting moving shadows on the mud walls.

Outside, the village of Eziobodo slowly became silent as night settled over the land. Most families had already finished their evening meals. Children were fast asleep, and only the sounds of crickets and distant night birds could be heard. But Lolongedika could not sleep. Her mind was full of anger and jealousy.

Every time she thought about the wealthy merchant choosing Adaeze instead of her own daughter, her heart burned with bitterness. “How can this happen?” she murmured quietly to herself. Her daughter Amarachi had been very upset earlier that evening. She had cried loudly and complained again and again that Adaeze did not deserve such a wealthy man.

Lolongedika understood her daughter’s pain. But the truth was that she herself also felt insulted. In her mind, she believed her family should always come first. She believed that her daughter should be the one admired by the villagers. But now people were celebrating Adaeze. The thought filled her with anger.

She remembered how women in the market had praised Adaeze many times. She remembered the way villagers often spoke about Adaeze’s kindness and good character. Each memory made her jealousy grow stronger. “This cannot happen.” she whispered again. Slowly, a dangerous idea began to form in her mind. She had heard stories before, stories about powerful traditional magic, stories about herbalists who could prepare charms that changed people’s thoughts and feelings.

Some people in the village spoke about such things in whispers. Most elders warned that such powers were dangerous and should never be used for selfish reasons. But jealousy can sometimes make people forget wisdom. Lolongedika stood up slowly from the wooden stool where she had been sitting. Her mind was now filled with a new determination.

“If the man’s heart belongs to Adaeze,” she said quietly, “then I will make sure that heart changes.” The idea had already taken root. That night, she made a secret decision. She would travel to another village where powerful herbalists were known to live. She had heard about one man in particular, a feared herbalist named Eziyani.

People said he lived in a distant village hidden deep inside the forest. Many believed he had strong spiritual powers. Some villagers feared him. Others secretly visited him when they wanted charms to control situations or influence events. Lolongedika knew the journey would not be easy, but her jealousy had already blinded her heart.

Later that night, when everyone in the compound had fallen asleep, she quietly wrapped a dark cloth around her body. She placed some money and a few items inside a small bag. Then she slowly stepped outside. The night air was cool and silent. The moon hung high in the sky, lighting the narrow paths between the houses.

Lolongedika moved carefully so that no one would notice her leaving. Even her daughter Amarachi did not know about this journey. She walked quietly through the sleeping village until she reached the edge of Eziobodo. From there, a narrow path led into the forest. The journey to the herbalist’s village would take several hours, but she did not hesitate.

Driven by jealousy and determination, she continued walking through the dark path. The forest was quiet but full of strange sounds. Owls hooted from the trees. Small animals moved through the bushes. Sometimes the wind made the tall trees sway, creating soft whispering sounds in the darkness. But Lolongedika did not turn back.

Her mind remained focused on her mission. After walking for a long time, she finally reached the distant village just before midnight. Unlike Eziobodo, this village felt different. It was quieter and darker. Some houses looked old and abandoned. At the far end of the village stood a small shrine surrounded by tall trees and thick shadows.

That was where the herbalist lived. Lolongedika walked slowly toward the shrine. As she approached, she noticed strange objects hanging from the entrance, dried animal bones, feathers, and small charms tied with red threads. The place felt mysterious and slightly frightening. For a moment, she hesitated, but then she remembered her anger and continued walking.

When she reached the entrance, she called softly, “Is anyone here?” For a few seconds, there was no response. Then a deep voice came from inside the shrine. “Enter.” Lolongedika stepped inside. The room was dark and filled with the smell of herbs and burning incense. Clay pots, gourds, and bundles of dried plants hung from the walls.

At the center of the room sat a tall man wearing traditional beads and a dark robe. His eyes looked sharp and serious. This was Eziyani, the feared herbalist. He studied her quietly. “Why have you come here at this hour?” he asked. Lolongedika bowed her head slightly in respect. “I need your help,” she said. The herbalist remained silent, waiting.

Slowly, she began telling her story. She explained everything. She spoke about the wealthy merchant who had come to the village. She spoke about how the man wanted to marry her husband’s niece instead of her own daughter. She described her daughter’s heartbreak and her anger. The herbalist listened without interrupting.

When she finished, he remained silent for a moment. Then he spoke slowly. “You want the man to choose your daughter instead.” “Yes,” Lolongedika replied. The herbalist leaned forward slightly. “There are ways to influence a person’s mind,” he said calmly, “but such power is not something to play with.” Lolongedika nodded eagerly.

“I am ready to do whatever is required.” The herbalist studied her carefully. Then he stood up and walked toward a small wooden table covered with herbs and powders. He began mixing different ingredients inside a small calabash. As he worked, he spoke quietly. “This charm is strong,” he said. “It must be used carefully.

” Lolongedika watched with intense focus. After some time, the herbalist finished preparing the mixture. He placed it inside a small wrapped charm and handed it to her. “This charm must be used during the traditional marriage ceremony,” he explained. Lolongedika listened carefully. “The moment the merchant looks strongly at your daughter, this charm will influence his mind.

” Her heart began to beat faster. “What will happen?” she asked. The herbalist looked directly at her. “He will forget his love for the bride.” “And?” “He will choose your daughter instead.” A slow smile appeared on Lolongedika’s face. The herbalist raised a warning hand. “But remember this,” he said firmly.

“Such power always carries consequences.” But Lolongedika barely listened to the warning. Her mind was already filled with satisfaction. She quickly paid the herbalist the money he demanded. Then she carefully placed the charm inside her bag. “Thank you,” she said. Without wasting any time, she left the shrine and began the journey back to Eziobodo.

By the time the first light of morning appeared in the sky, she had already returned to the village. No one noticed that she had been gone during the night. But inside her bag was the dangerous charm, and inside her heart was a dark determination. Lolongedika had returned to Eziobodo with evil determination.

The long-awaited day of the traditional marriage ceremony finally arrived in the village of Eziobodo. From the early hours of the morning, the compound of Adaeze’s family was already full of activity. Women woke before sunrise to prepare food for the celebration. Large cooking pots were placed over firewood, and the smell of boiling soup and roasted meat slowly filled the air.

Young girls helped carry water from the stream, while older women cleaned vegetables and pounded yam inside wooden mortars. The compound, which was usually quiet and simple, now looked bright and joyful. Colorful wrappers were hung around the walls to decorate the place. Mats were spread on the ground for guests to sit on.

Palm leaves were tied near the entrance of the compound as a sign that an important celebration was about to take place. Adaeze’s mother, Inneka, moved around the compound with both excitement and nervousness. She checked on the cooking pots, greeted relatives who had already arrived, and made sure everything was ready for the ceremony.

For many years, she had prayed for a good future for her daughter. Now the day had come when her daughter would be officially joined in marriage to a respectable man. Inside the house, Adaeze was being prepared by her female relatives. Some of the women were braiding her hair neatly, while others helped dress her in a beautiful traditional wrapper and blouse.

Simple but elegant beads were placed around her neck and wrists. Adaeze looked calm but shy. Her heart beat slowly with both happiness and nervousness. Marriage was a serious step in life, and she wanted everything to go well. One of her aunties smiled at her. “You are a beautiful bride,” the woman said warmly.

Adaeze smiled softly. Outside the compound, more people began arriving. Neighbors, friends, and villagers came to witness the ceremony. Traditional marriage celebrations were important events in the village, and many people loved to attend them. Music soon filled the air. Drummers arrived and began playing traditional drums that echoed across the compound.

The rhythmic sounds encouraged people to clap and dance happily. Women ululated loudly to express their joy, and young men laughed as they greeted one another. Everything felt like a joyful festival. Meanwhile, in another part of the village, Obinna and his family were also preparing for the ceremony. According to Igbo tradition, the groom must arrive at the bride’s family compound with his relatives carrying gifts and drinks.

Obinna’s relatives gathered carefully around the items they had brought. There were bottles of palm wine, crates of drinks, bundles of wrappers, bags of rice, goats, and envelopes containing money for the traditional requirements. Obinna dressed neatly in a white traditional outfit with a red cap on his head.

His relatives smiled proudly as they prepared to travel to Iseobodo. “This is a good marriage,” one of the elders said. “Yes,” another agreed. “That young woman has good character.” Soon they began their journey to the bride’s compound. When they arrived at the entrance of Adaeze’s family compound, the drummers increased the rhythm of their music.

Guests cheered loudly. According to tradition, the groom’s family was welcomed with excitement and respect. Women danced in circles, waving their hands and singing joyful songs. Obinna and his relatives entered the compound carrying the traditional gifts. Adaeze’s family welcomed them warmly. Mats were placed for the elders to sit down, while the younger guests gathered around the compound to watch the ceremony.

Palm wine was served to the elders as they began discussing the final steps of the marriage rites. The atmosphere was peaceful and joyful. Everything seemed perfect. But hidden among the many guests in the compound, someone was watching carefully. It was Lolondeka. She had arrived earlier with her daughter, Amarachi, and had blended quietly among the guests.

No one suspected anything unusual. But inside the small cloth bag she carried, the dangerous charm given by the herbalist, Eziani, was hidden. Her eyes moved carefully around the compound as she waited for the right moment. Amarachi stood among the other young women in the compound. She wore beautiful clothes and decorated her hair carefully that morning.

Although she tried to appear calm, her heart was beating quickly. She knew her mother had gone somewhere secretly days earlier, but she did not fully know the plan her mother had prepared. Still, she trusted her mother’s words. “You must not worry,” Lolondeka had told her. “Everything will work in your favor.

” Now she waited nervously. Meanwhile, the ceremony continued. The elders discussed the bride price and the traditional requirements. Obinna’s family presented the gifts they had brought, and Adaeze’s relatives accepted them according to tradition. Guests clapped and cheered as each stage of the ceremony was completed successfully.

Then came the moment many people were waiting for. According to tradition, the bride would be brought out with a cup of palm wine. She would walk through the crowd searching for her groom. When she found him, she would kneel and offer him the drink, showing everyone that he was the man she had chosen. The drummers began playing louder as Adaeze finally stepped out of the house.

Her beauty caught everyone’s attention. She walked slowly into the compound holding the cup of palm wine with both hands. Guests smiled and whispered excitedly. “There’s the bride. She looks beautiful.” Obinna watched her calmly from where he sat among his relatives. His heart felt peaceful. But at that exact moment, Lolondeka quietly moved closer to where Amarachi stood.

She reached inside her cloth bag and removed the small charm given to her by the herbalist. She whispered softly as she performed the ritual exactly as she had been instructed. No one around her noticed what she was doing. Her eyes remained fixed on Obinna. “Look at her,” she whispered quietly. Then she gently pushed Amarachi slightly forward so that she stood clearly within Obinna’s view.

At that moment, something strange happened. Obinna lifted his eyes. Instead of looking at Adaeze, his eyes suddenly landed strongly on Amarachi. For a brief second, his face became still. Then confusion slowly appeared in his expression. His peaceful look disappeared. It was as if something inside his mind had suddenly shifted.

Adaeze continued walking towards him with the cup of palm wine, smiling shyly as tradition required. But Obinna was no longer looking at her. His eyes remained fixed on Amarachi. The charm had taken effect. Suddenly, Obinna stood up. The movement surprised everyone. Adaeze paused in confusion. The drummers slowly stopped playing.

Obinna’s relatives looked at him with surprise. Then Obinna spoke. His voice sounded cold and distant. “I cannot marry Adaeze.” The entire compound fell into shocked silence. Guests stared at him in disbelief. Adaeze stood frozen where she was, holding the cup of palm wine. “What did he say?” someone whispered.

Obinna spoke again, louder this time. “I do not love her.” He turned his head and pointed towards Amarachi. “I want to marry her instead.” Gasps filled the compound. The joyful wedding ceremony had suddenly turned into chaos. For a few seconds after Obinna spoke those shocking words, the entire compound became completely silent.

The joyful sounds of drums had stopped. The laughter and celebration that filled the air only moments before had disappeared. The people gathered in the compound stood still, looking at one another with confusion. Many of them could not believe what they had just heard. Adaeze stood in the middle of the compound holding the cup of palm wine.

Her hands were trembling slightly. The smile that had been on her face slowly faded away as she tried to understand what had just happened. Just a few moments earlier, she had walked proudly as the bride during her traditional marriage ceremony. Now, the man who had come to marry her had suddenly rejected her in front of everyone.

Her heart felt like it had been struck by a heavy stone. She looked at Obinna with disbelief. “Did I hear him correctly?” she wondered in her mind. But the cold expression on Obinna’s face told her the truth. He was no longer looking at her with love or kindness. Instead, he looked at her like a stranger. Around the compound, murmurs surely began spreading through the crowd.

“What is happening? Did he just reject the bride? This cannot be real.” Some people looked at each other in confusion, while others shook their heads in disbelief. Inneka, Adaeze’s mother, felt her legs grow weak. She had been standing among the women watching the ceremony with pride and joy only moments earlier.

But now, the terrible words spoken by Obinna cut deeply into her heart. Tears quickly filled her eyes. “This cannot be happening,” she whispered. Her daughter was being humiliated in front of the entire village. The pain was too much for her heart. She began crying loudly, unable to control her sorrow. “My daughter has done nothing wrong!” she cried.

Some women rushed to hold her and comfort her as she wept. Meanwhile, Kelechi, Adaeze’s younger brother, felt anger rising quickly inside him. He had watched the entire situation with growing shock. But when he saw his sister standing alone in the middle of the compound while people whispered around her, his anger exploded.

“How can he do this to my sister?” he shouted. Without thinking, Kelechi rushed forward toward Obinna. “You cannot insult my family like this!” he yelled. His fists were already clenched in anger. But before he could reach Obinna, two elders quickly stood up and held him back. “Kelechi, stop.” One elder said firmly.

“This is not the way to handle this matter.” Another elder placed a hand on his shoulder. “Calm down, young man.” Kelechi struggled for a moment, but the elders held him tightly. His chest rose and fell with anger as he stared at Obinna. “How can he suddenly reject her?” He asked angrily. Meanwhile, Obinna stood calmly in the middle of the compound.

His face remained cold and distant. He did not look like the same man who had visited the family with respect days earlier. The charm placed on him had completely clouded his mind. When he looked at Adazi’s family now, he felt no connection to them. Instead, his attention remained fixed on Amarachi. He spoke again in a calm but firm voice.

“I have already made my decision.” He said. “I cannot marry Adazi.” Many guests gasped again when they heard him repeat the words. It was one thing to make such a shocking statement once, but to repeat it calmly in front of elders and villagers made the situation even worse. One elder stood up slowly. He was one of the respected men in the village.

“My son,” he said carefully. “This is a very serious matter.” He looked directly at Obinna. “You came to this compound with elders and declared your intention to marry this young woman. The entire village gathered here today to witness this union.” The elder paused. “You cannot simply change your mind like this without explanation.

” But Obinna shook his head slightly. “I have already explained.” He replied. “My heart does not want her.” His words sounded strange and unnatural to some people listening. Some villagers began whispering quietly. “This is not normal. What happened to him? He was very respectful when he came earlier.” But no one could fully understand what was happening.

Hidden among the crowd, Lolo Njideka watched everything carefully. Inside her heart, she felt satisfaction. Her plan had worked. The charm from the herbalist had successfully changed Obinna’s mind. But she knew she needed to act quickly before anyone suspected anything. So, she slowly stepped forward, pretending to look shocked like everyone else.

“This situation is very unfortunate.” She said loudly. Many people turned their attention toward her. She shook her head sadly, pretending to feel sympathy. “What a shameful thing to happen on such an important day.” Then, she turned toward the elders. “But we must also consider the damage that has been done.

” The elders looked at her. “What do you mean?” One asked. Lolo Njideka raised her hands dramatically. “This young man has publicly rejected a bride during her traditional marriage ceremony. This is a serious insult to our family.” Some people in the crowd nodded slowly. In Igbo tradition, rejecting a bride during the ceremony was considered a great embarrassment to her family.

It could damage their reputation in the village. Lolo Njideka continued speaking. “Because of the shame caused to this family, the groom must pay compensation.” Her words quickly caught the attention of many people. Some villagers began murmuring again. “Yes, that is true. There must be compensation.” The elders looked at one another thoughtfully.

But before they could fully discuss the matter, Lolo Njideka quickly continued. “This insult that has happened here cannot be ignored.” She said firmly. “If the groom now wants to choose another bride instead, he must first pay for the shame he has caused.” She spoke with strong confidence. Hidden inside her mind was another goal.

She wanted to collect as much money and gifts as possible while Obinna was still under the influence of the charm. The elders slowly turned toward Obinna. “My son,” one of them said. “You have heard what she has said. This situation has brought shame to the bride’s family. You must make things right.” Obinna did not hesitate.

Because of the charm controlling his mind, he felt no emotional connection to Adazi or her family anymore. So, he simply nodded. “I will pay whatever is required.” He said calmly. The crowd reacted with surprise. Many people expected him to argue or defend himself. But instead, he agreed immediately. Lolo Njideka quickly took advantage of the moment.

“First,” she said loudly. “He must provide additional goats for the insult.” Obinna nodded. “I agree.” “Second,” she continued. “He must bring extra drinks and wrappers for the family.” Again, Obinna nodded. “I agree.” The villagers began whispering again. Some people felt something strange about the situation, but the ceremony had already turned into confusion and no one fully understood what was happening.

Lolo Njideka continued making demands. More drinks, more money, more gifts. Each time she spoke, Obinna agreed without hesitation. Under the power of the charm, the merchant accepted every demand placed before him. And the once joyful wedding celebration slowly turned into one of the most shocking events the village of Eziobododo had ever witnessed.