The Answer That Changed Everything.
669 Words
THE DRIVER'S SECRET
Chapter Ten: The Answer That Changed Everything
The living room fell into complete silence.
Chief Peter's proposal hung in the air like a question no one wanted to answer.
Ruth looked from Chief Peter to her parents.
Neither of them spoke.
She lowered her eyes.
"Chief..."
"I don't know what to say."
Chief Peter smiled gently.
"You don't have to answer tonight."
"I've waited years."
"I can wait a little longer."
He stood up.
"I only ask one thing."
"What is it?" Ruth asked softly.
"Think about your future."
"And think about the future of your child."
With those words, he excused himself and quietly left.
The sound of his car faded into the distance.
---
A Mother's Advice
Later that night, Ruth sat alone on the veranda.
The cool evening breeze brushed against her face.
Her mother joined her with two cups of tea.
For several minutes, they drank in silence.
Finally, her mother spoke.
"My daughter..."
"Do you still believe Collins is coming back?"
Ruth's eyes filled with tears.
"I don't know."
"I've searched everywhere."
"I've prayed every day."
"But I can't find him."
Her mother nodded sadly.
"Sometimes life doesn't give us the answers we want."
Ruth looked away.
"I love him, Mum."
"I know."
"And that's what makes this so difficult."
Her mother held her hand.
"But you must also think about your baby."
"No child chooses how they come into the world."
"They only deserve love."
---
Collins Begins Again
Hundreds of kilometers away...
Collins had settled into life in his village.
Every morning before sunrise, he followed his uncle to the farm.
The work was exhausting.
His hands, once smooth, became rough from holding cutlasses and hoes.
But Collins never complained.
Each evening he wrote job applications.
Each night he prayed.
"Lord..."
"I've lost almost everything."
"But don't let me lose hope."
One afternoon, his uncle sat beside him.
"You've worked hard."
Collins smiled.
"I'm trying."
"I know someone in Lagos."
"He mentioned that a transport company is looking for drivers."
Collins looked up immediately.
"Lagos?"
His uncle nodded.
"It may be the fresh start you've been praying for."
For the first time in months...
Hope returned to Collins' eyes.
---
A Decision Made in Tears
Three days later...
Chief Peter visited again.
This time, he came alone.
Ruth welcomed him into the sitting room.
Neither of them spoke for several moments.
Chief Peter finally broke the silence.
"Have you made your decision?"
Ruth looked down at her hands.
She remembered Collins' smile.
His promises.
Their prayers together.
The weekend that changed both their lives.
A tear rolled down her cheek.
"I waited."
"I searched."
"I never stopped hoping."
She looked at Chief Peter.
"But I can't keep waiting forever."
Chief Peter remained silent.
"I have a child depending on me."
"I need stability."
She closed her eyes briefly before speaking the words that broke her own heart.
"If you're still willing..."
"I accept your proposal."
Chief Peter didn't celebrate.
He simply thanked God quietly.
Then he said,
"I promise to honor you."
"I promise to respect you."
"And I promise to love your child as my own."
Ruth burst into tears.
Not because she doubted Chief Peter.
But because saying yes felt like saying goodbye to the man she had never stopped loving.
---
A New Beginning... Or So It Seemed
Two months later...
The wedding was simple but elegant.
Family members gathered to celebrate.
Guests smiled.
Music filled the air.
Everyone believed they were witnessing the beginning of a beautiful marriage.
No one knew...
That another man, hundreds of kilometers away, was still carrying Ruth's photograph in his wallet.
Still believing that one day...
He would find her.
As Ruth and Chief Peter exchanged their vows...
Collins boarded a bus to Lagos with a small suitcase and a heart full of hope.
Neither of them realized...
That destiny wasn't finished with their story.
It was only preparing the most shocking reunion of their lives.
End of Chapter Ten
- Writer
