The Virgin Wife

Title:Episode 9: Family Dinner

The invitation came on a Friday.

`Dinner at the Okoye Mansion. 8PM. Be there.` - From Mrs. Okoye

Amara stared at the text message. Her hands were sweating.

Emeka walked in and saw her face. "What’s wrong?"

"Your mother invited us for dinner," Amara said quietly.

Emeka's jaw tightened. "We don’t have to go."

"No," Amara said quickly. "We should. She’s your mother."

That night, Amara wore her best dress. Simple. Elegant. She kept twisting her hands in the car.

"Stop worrying," Emeka said and squeezed her hand. "I’ve got you."

The mansion was bigger than Emeka's. Full of gold and marble. And judgment.

Mrs. Okoye was already seated at the head of the table. Two other relatives were there too.

"Ah, the bride," Mrs. Okoye said, voice cold. "Sit."

Dinner was torture. Every question was a trap.

"Where did you go to school?"

"Your family does what for a living?"

"How did you two meet?"

Amara answered politely. Emeka answered for her when it got too much.

Then Mrs. Okoye dropped it. "So, when are you giving me grandchildren?"

Amara choked on her water. Emeka put a hand on her back.

"We’ll have kids when we’re ready, Mother," Emeka said firmly.

"Ready?" Mrs. Okoye scoffed. "You’re 32, Emeka. She’s 19. Time is running."

The rest of dinner was silent.

On the drive home, Amara cried. "I’m sorry. I ruined it."

Emeka pulled the car over. "Hey. Look at me." He wiped her tears. "You didn’t ruin anything. They’re the ones being rude."

"But she’s your mother..."

"And you’re my wife," Emeka said. "My priority. Always."

He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Screw dinner. Let’s go home and order pizza."

Amara laughed through her tears. "Pizza?"

"Best dinner ever," Emeka grinned.

And it was.