The evening breeze carried the scent of home-cooked meals and laughter. Splendour had finally returned home after the graduation ceremony, her heart still beating with excitement from all that had happened.
Her parents decided to host a family dinner in her honor and for the first time, Alfred's parents were invited too. The living room was beautifully lit, decorated with soft candles and flowers her mother arranged herself. There was warmth in the air not just from the food, but from the joy that seemed to fill every corner.
Naomi and Enisa arrived early, helping Splendour set the table. They teased her endlessly, replaying the proposal moment again and again until she hid her face in laughter.
"Abeg, no start again," Splendour said, giggling. "You people won't let me rest."
Enisa winked. "We just can't believe our own Splendour is somebody's fiancée now!"
When Alfred walked in with his parents and his best friend, Timi, the atmosphere grew even brighter. His mother carried a basket of fruits and wine; his father wore a proud smile that spoke volumes.
"Welcome, sir, welcome, ma," Splendour's mother greeted warmly. "We're so happy to have you."
Soon, the table was filled with plates of jollof rice, grilled fish, and pepper soup. Conversations flowed easily laughter breaking out every few minutes as both families shared stories, jokes, and memories.
Alfred and Splendour sat side by side, their fingers intertwined beneath the table. Every time she glanced at him, he was already looking at her that silent look of love that said more than words ever could.
Naomi whispered across the table, "You two look like a movie scene."
Splendour blushed, nudging her with a playful smile.
Timi cracked jokes, keeping everyone laughing till tears rolled. Even Splendour's father, who had been quiet at first, joined in with a deep chuckle that made everyone glance at him in surprise.
The night carried on with light music and joy. Splendour looked around — at her parents smiling, Alfred's parents sharing stories, Naomi and Enisa laughing uncontrollably and she felt her chest swell with gratitude.
So much had changed, yet everything felt right.
Alfred turned to her, brushing his thumb softly across her palm.
"You're glowing," he whispered.
Splendour smiled, voice low and steady. "That's because I'm happy."
He smiled back. "You deserve every bit of it."
They shared a quiet moment amidst the noise just two souls, intertwined in love and peace.
And for Splendour, this night was more than a dinner.
It was the proof that everything she prayed for was now her reality.