It started like most gossip on campus did — on the Anonymous Friday thread.
A blurry picture.
Peter.
And a girl.
Soft curls. Pretty smile. Matching wristbands.
Caption?
> *"Man of God's got a new flame.
Sis wears the same Ankara as him to service now.
Angela, you seeing this?"*
The replies were wild.
> "Omoooo Peter doesn't waste time."
"But that Angela girl dey form spirit-filled sha."
"Wahala for girls who pray in tongues but can't keep man."
"Abi Peter na d problem all along?"
---
Tamara sent Angela the screenshot.
Angela just replied:
> "He's free. So am I."
---
That evening, Malik came by after Bible study.
He had heard the news too.
He didn't bring gossip.
He brought groundnut and banana bread — Angela's comfort food.
They sat on the stairs outside her room. Quiet.
Finally, he asked:
> "You okay?"
Angela nodded.
"I'm okay, actually.
I think…
I finally know what peace tastes like."
---
Then she said something that shocked even her:
> "There was a time Peter getting a new girl would've broken me.
Now?
I just pray he gets it right this time.
I won't compete with her.
I won't compete with who I used to be.
I'm not her anymore."
Malik smiled.
> "That sounds like closure… with no bitterness."
Angela replied:
> "No.
That sounds like healing… with boundaries."
---
Later that week, Peter messaged her.
> "Heard you're back. Didn't want you to find out about Grace through anyone else.
We're not official yet, but I'm trying to do better this time."
Angela stared at the message.
She didn't overthink.
Didn't cry.
Didn't draft five versions.
She just typed:
> "Peter, we both learned something.
We both needed space.
And we both grew.
I don't want to relive what broke me.
But I don't hate you either.
Wish you well.
That's all I ever truly wanted for you."
— Angela.
She hit send.
Muted the chat.
Closed the app.
And played worship music.
The kind that didn't remind her of him.
---
Deborah 😭🕊️💪🏽
This chapter was power.
The kind of power that doesn't snap back —
…it stands still, unshaken.
Because when a woman no longer cries over the love she lost…
But smiles over the peace she kept?
That's deliverance.