𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒂𝒍

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER TEN

He was wrong. Lunch date was a flop, nothing like he was expecting. In fact, the day's event was ruined from the start.

It started the previous day when he'd called his wife to find out which gift to buy for his in-laws. She had frankly told him that they wouldn't mind and that he could buy anything. He went further to ask her what she might like and she out-rightly told him not to bother.

Nevertheless, he went ahead to buy two bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and did a short shopping for himself and his wife. He also got a new pair of shoes for himself and a rose pink drop-waist gown for his wife —which she never wore to the occasion by the way. She'd claimed the gown was almost skin-tight and showing her contours and that she was in the mood for something loose. Therefore, she'd worn a brown Abaya to church and afterwards, to her parents' house. But her bag and shoes were to match with his navy blue tailored shirt and trouser.

He had felt bad that the dress wasn't her size. The shop attendant had assured him that was the biggest size in stock. He knew it would be a perfect fit on her since she was on the plump side but to almost tight her, meant only one thing—she'd added weight over the months that's passed. He was disheartened at that revelation and that had put him in a foul mood throughout church service until lunch.

Mr and Mrs Okezie were very welcoming hosts. They asked how marriage was treating them so far and went on to share tips and advice on what would help make it easier for them.

"...most importantly, never see your spouse as your enemy because the day that you do, is the day the flavour of your marriage changes," Mr Okezie advised.

The old man didn't want to pry deeper into the younger couple's marital issues but as he exchanged glances between his daughter and her husband; he had a gut feeling that things weren't okay. His daughter's clipped smiles which he has grown over the years to know, only erased all doubts. Nevertheless, he wouldn't butt in. They are two adults aware of what they want. If they wished to let him know then they'd open up.

"Also, never let material things come above family. Whatever would keep you two together should be your priority. Remember, pray always and God first." Mrs Okezie sounded a note of warning. However, her daughter didn't miss the underlying meaning behind her words.

"Excuse me," Stella said, "I need to use the convenience room." Standing up from her seat as she glanced at the other three. A minute after Stella left, Mrs Beatrice Okezie excused herself too.

Father and son in-law said nothing for a while. Mr Okezie chewing on an apple while Adam stuck with his glass of wine.

"Sir, may I ask?" Adam started.

"Sure,"

"Will there ever come a time I'd see my wife as an enemy?" he asked innocently.

"Nwam, the challenges in marriage come in diverse colours for every spouse out there. If unguarded you'd never know when the devil can place evil thoughts in your heart. It might begin from a point of regret until it grows to dissatisfaction and eventually hate which is why you must never give room for that. Satan's sole aim is to destroy the institution called marriage which is why he targets families with the hottest, most brutal challenges."

"Did you ever feel that way in your marriage to ma?"

The old man thought for a short while. "There were times I began to feel like I deserved better, I wanted more than what she has to offer. I was displeased because all I could see in her were her flaws and that led me into wrongdoing. It cost our family a lot but thankfully, I got saved and my marriage too. However, things will never be the same, which is why you must avoid going into such sin at all costs." He advised.