Chapter 15: New Beginnings

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But the you who you are tonight is the same you I was in love with yesterday, the same you I'll be in love with tomorrow." —Gayle Forman, If I Stay

**Priscilla’s POV**

The days leading up to my wedding were a whirlwind of emotions—joy, anticipation, and a touch of disbelief. I was about to marry John, the love of my life, and start a new chapter that promised both excitement and stability. But before we got to the aisle, my friends and family had one last surprise for me—a bridal shower that turned out to be far more than I could have imagined.

 But before we got to the aisle, my friends and family had one last surprise for me—a bridal shower that turned out to be far more than I could have imagined

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Ada and Tayo, my dearest friends, had taken it upon themselves to organize the shower. It was supposed to be a simple gathering, just close friends and family, but when I walked into the room that evening, I was stunned by the love and thoughtfulness that surrounded me. The space was beautifully decorated with flowers in soft shades of white and peach, my favorite colors. The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses, and the room buzzed with the laughter and chatter of the women who meant the most to me.

Henry and Ife, my mischievous but lovable younger siblings, had insisted on being part of the preparations. They had put together a slideshow of our childhood memories, complete with embarrassing photos and heartfelt messages. When the lights dimmed and the first image flashed across the screen, I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. There I was, a little girl with wide eyes and a gap-toothed smile, standing next to my siblings in what must have been our old backyard. The images moved forward through the years—birthday parties, school graduations, family holidays. It was like watching my life flash before my eyes, only this time, I wasn’t alone. I was surrounded by the people who had been with me every step of the way.

As the slideshow ended, Ada handed me a beautifully wrapped gift. “This is from all of us,” she said, her voice soft with emotion. “We know you’ve always been the strong one, the one who takes care of everyone else. But today, we want to remind you that we’re here to take care of you, too.”

Inside the box was a delicate bracelet, each charm representing a significant moment in my life—graduating college, starting my business, and now, getting married. It was a small thing, but it held so much meaning. I felt the tears slip down my cheeks as I looked around the room, my heart full to bursting with gratitude and love.

Later that evening, as we sat around, sipping champagne and sharing stories, I realized just how blessed I was. My friends and family had not only celebrated my upcoming marriage but had also reminded me of the journey that had brought me to this moment. The bridal shower had been more than just a party—it had been a reminder of where I had come from and where I was going. It was the perfect send-off as I prepared to take the biggest step of my life.

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The morning of the traditional Yoruba wedding dawned bright and early. I woke up with a flutter in my chest, a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was the day I would embrace my heritage, marrying John in a ceremony that honored the rich culture I had grown up in. The preparations began almost immediately, with my aunties and cousins bustling around, ensuring every detail was perfect.

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