when strength meets love

chapter 25: ikoka village

Ivie sat quietly on the wooden stool, her eyes glancing between her father and mother. Her father, Osamu, had called for her earlier, his tone unusually stern yet layered with anticipation. It was rare for him to ask for her presence like this. She had spent the past week with Eki, helping her friend through the whirlwind of wedding preparations and her mother’s sudden passing. The sadness still lingered in her chest, but the joy of seeing Eki start her life anew with Oduwa brought her some solace.

Now, as she sat before her father, she wondered what could be so important. She shifted uneasily, trying to focus.

“My beautiful daughter,” Osamu began, his voice lighter than usual, a smile playing on his lips.

Ivie tilted her head slightly, confused. This was not how he usually addressed her. Her mother, sitting beside him, had an excited gleam in her eyes, as if waiting for something grand to unfold.

“A good blessing has landed in our house,” Osamu continued, leaning forward. “And you, my daughter, are the one who brought it.”

Ivie’s confusion deepened. “Father, what are you talking about?”

Her mother chuckled softly, clearly sharing in the secret her father had yet to reveal. “Ah, Ivie, you will soon bring great honor to this family. I will finally have a title that befits my place in this village!”

Ivie’s heart skipped a beat. “What blessing? What honor?”

Osamu puffed out his chest, his smile widening. “The Enogie’s son, Osagie, has asked for your hand in marriage. He is in love with you!”

Ivie froze, her heart pounding. Osagie? Marriage? The memory of his earlier proposal flashed through her mind. She had brushed it off as a joke, his way of teasing her. But this—this was something else entirely.

“And the Enogie himself has approved of the union,” Osamu continued proudly. “They have requested that the wedding take place as soon as possible—on the next market day.”

Ivie felt like the world was spinning. Her mind raced back to Eki, her best friend, whose life seemed to be moving in a clear direction. Eki had always talked about the importance of choice in marriage, and now here she was, being cornered into something she didn’t want. Her throat tightened.

“You mean Osagie?” she asked quietly, almost as if she didn’t want to believe her ears.

Osamu frowned. “How dare you speak his name so casually? Do you have no respect? Even if he becomes your husband, you must learn to address him properly!”

Ivie’s hands balled into fists. “Father,” she said firmly, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. But if this is about marrying Osagie, my answer is no.”

The room fell silent. Her mother gasped softly, and Osamu’s face turned red with rage. “You said what?” he thundered.

“I said no!” Ivie repeated, her voice rising.

Osamu stood abruptly, his voice booming through the compound. “You are a foolish child! I know you’re lazy and good for nothing, but I didn’t know you were this stupid! How can you say no to the Enogie’s son? Do you know what this means for our family? For you? The kind of respect this will bring?”

Ivie stood too, trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief. “Papa, I don’t care about respect or titles! I will not marry him! If you like, give him to one of my sisters. I don’t want to marry anyone!”

Osamu’s wife tried to intervene. “My daughter, calm down. You don’t mean what you’re saying. This is a great opportunity—”

“No, Mama!” Ivie snapped, her voice breaking. “Eki’s mother just died after years of struggling in a marriage where she was treated like nothing. Is that what you want for me? To be forced into something I don’t want? I refuse!”

Osamu’s face darkened. “Eki’s story has nothing to do with you. You will not compare yourself to her. You are blessed to have this opportunity!”

Ivie shook her head. “I don’t feel blessed. I feel trapped. I won’t do it!” She stormed out of the compound, tears stinging her eyes.

Osamu clenched his fists, his fury barely contained. “Can you imagine this child? After all I’ve done for her, she has the audacity to speak to me like this?”

His wife placed a calming hand on his arm, trying to soothe him. “My husband, don’t worry. She’s just being stubborn. She’ll come around. Go and inform the kinsmen. Everything will fall into place.”

Osamu grumbled but nodded, his resolve firm. “She’ll learn her place soon enough. Whether she likes it or not, she will marry Osagie.”