Her POV
At first, he was just the man who had rescued her, the one who gave her a place to heal, but as the days turned into weeks, she began to notice things. The way his voice softened when he called her name, how his eyes lingered a heartbeat too long whenever she walked into the room, the way his hand would almost but not quite brush against hers when they sat together.
She could read his body language now, the subtle shift of his shoulders when she was near, the warmth in his smile that seemed meant only for her. She knew he liked her perhaps even more than that but he held back, as though waiting for the right moment. And though she couldn't explain why, she found herself wishing he would close the distance, just once, and tell her what she already knew.
One evening, the rain came without warning, drumming hard against the windows. The power flickered and went out, leaving the house in a soft hush broken only by the sound of the storm. She found him in the living room, lighting a candle, the golden glow casting warm shadows on his face.
"Come," he said gently, patting the space beside him. She sat, and for a while, they just listened to the rain together. The air felt different, thicker and warmer as though the storm had wrapped them in its own quiet world. At one point, a clap of thunder startled her, and without thinking, she moved closer. He didn't pull away. Instead, his arm brushed against hers, steady and reassuring. They exchanged a glance, brief but loaded look which made her heart stumble in her chest. He smiled faintly, but whatever words were on his lips, he swallowed them, so they sat there, in the gentle candlelight, hearts speaking in silence.
Days passed, and their quiet closeness deepened. Each shared glance, each unspoken smile, seemed to pull them nearer. For him, the feelings had grown beyond fondness, they were now an ache, a yearning that followed him through his days.
He began to think seriously about telling her. The idea of a future with her no longer felt like a passing thought, but a plan taking root in his heart. He imagined a life together, not as strangers bound by circumstance, but as two souls choosing each other. All that remained was the right moment to let her know. One late afternoon, the sun spilled golden light into the living room, painting her hair in soft hues. She was arranging flowers in a vase when he decided that was the moment. His heart pounded as he walked towards her, rehearsing the words in his mind.
She looked up, smiling, and for a second, it felt like the world had gone still.
"There is something I have been meaning to tell you," he began, his voice low but steady. Her eyes widened slightly, as if she sensed what was coming.
He took a breath, his gaze steady on hers. "During the past few days," he said, his voice low but certain, "I have been developing feelings towards you. I am ready to settle down with you. I don't mind your loss of memory or identity. You can just take up a new one and come with me to the states."
Her heart skipped, warmth spreading through her chest. She had known deep down that he cared for her, but hearing the words felt different but real. His eyes held no hesitation, only the quiet promise of a future he was willing to build with her, no matter the missing pieces of her past. She didn't answer right away. Instead, she let the silence wrap around them, her fingers curling slightly as if to hold on to the moment. She felt her lips curve into a small, soft smile. The kind that said everything without saying a single word.
After sometime, she met his gaze, her smile widening. "I was hoping you would say that," she whispered. "Because I feel the same way."
Relief flashed across his face, quickly replaced by a quiet joy that made her chest tighten. She reached for his hand, her fingers lacing through his. "You've been more than just a savior to me," she said softly. "You've been home and if you're willing to build a life with me, then I'm ready to start it with you." His grip tightened, as if he never wanted to let go. "Then it's settled," he murmured, his voice warm with certainty.
"One of these days, I will take you to my mother, she has been pestering me to bring a wife." he said. In that moment, it didn't matter that her past was a blank page. Together, they would write something new.
Her POV
His confession felt different, softer and warmer. She often caught herself smiling for no reason, remembering the way his eyes had glowed when she said yes. The house felt less like a place she was staying in and more like their home. She watched him more closely now, not because she doubted him, but because she wanted to memorize the small things. She found herself wanting to do more for him, to make his days lighter, the way he had made hers brighter.
When he told her he would be traveling to see his mother, she felt a mix of anticipation and nerves. She wanted his family to accept her, though she knew the truth of her missing past might raise questions. Still, in her heart, she felt certain of one thing: she belonged with him. As she watched him pack a small bag that morning, she squeezed his arm gently. "Tell her I am looking forward to meeting her," she said with a hopeful smile.
After he left, the house felt unusually quiet. She tried keeping herself busy but her thoughts kept drifting to him. She imagined how he would describe her to his mother, whether he would mention her memory loss first or the way they had fallen for each other.
She wandered to the mirror and studied her reflection. Her beauty had returned, yes, but there was still that question mark behind her eyes, who had she been before all this? A part of her feared his mother might see that uncertainty and decide she wasn't good enough for him. Another part of her held on to his words: "It doesn't matter who you were. I love who you are now." That was the truth she chose to cling to. As the sun began to sink, she sat by the window, waiting for the sound of his return, her heart quietly hoping that his visit would bring back nothing but good news.
The road to his mother's home was long, lined with familiar trees that whispered with the afternoon breeze. When he reached the small compound, she was already at the doorway, her arms open wide.
"My son!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a tight embrace. "You've lost weight. Are you eating well?" How is everything over there? And besides, where is she?"
He laughed softly. "I'm fine, Mama. Who are you asking of?"
"I thought I asked you to bring a wife along with you" she said.
"Ehm mama, I didn't bring anyone because I didn't see but I have good news for you."
"What good news?"
"Let us go inside mama, is that how you will welcome your son?"
They both went inside, they sat together in the cozy living room, the scent of palm oil soup simmering in the kitchen. For a while, they spoke of ordinary things but eventually, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"Mama, I've met a woman and I want to marry her." he said.
Her eyes brightened with curiosity as she lifted up her hands "Ah! So my prayers have finally been answered. Tell me about her. Where is she from?"
He hesitated only for a moment before answering. "I don't know. She lost her memory before I met her. She doesn't remember her past, but I love her. I want to give her a new life."
His mother's smile faltered slightly, and she studied him with the wisdom of years. "You are sure about this? What if her family are looking for her? What if something comes up along the way?"
"I've never been more sure, nothing will happen because I will be taking her with me to the states" he replied.
After a pause, she nodded. "If she makes you happy, then she will make me happy too. Bring her to me. Let me see the woman who has captured my son's heart."
By the time he returned, the evening sky was awash in shades of deep orange and fading blue. She had been sitting by the window for hours, pretending to read but really just listening for his footsteps. When she heard the familiar sound of the gate creaking open, her heart leapt. She was already at the door before he could knock.
"You're back," she said, her smile bright and a little breathless.
"I'm back," he replied, his voice carrying a warmth that made her relax. He stepped inside, setting his small travel bag down, and for a moment they simply stood there, looking at each other.
"Well?" she asked, unable to keep the question from spilling out.
His lips curved into a slow smile. "She wants to meet you. She said if you make me happy, then you will make her happy too."
Her shoulders loosened with relief, and she let out a soft laugh. "Then I suppose I'll have to make sure I do just that."
He reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You already do."
The house was quiet after dinner, the only sound was the soft hum of the night breeze through the open window. She was in the living room, curled up on the couch,watching movies when he joined her with a blanket
"You didn't have to," she said, smiling as she took one from him.
"I wanted to," he replied simply, settling beside her. Their knees brushed, and neither of them moved away.
For a while, they sipped in comfortable silence, the dim light wrapping the room in a warm cocoon. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, and rested her head on his shoulder. He didn't speak, just shifted slightly so she fit more comfortably against his side. His arm came around her, firm yet gentle, holding her as though she was the most precious thing in his life.
"I'm glad you went," she murmured. "And I'm glad she wants to meet me even after she is aware of my condition."
He turned his head toward her, his voice soft. "She'll love you. I am sure of it."
They stayed like that for a long time, the night carrying their unspoken promises.
Later that night, they lay side by side, the faint glow of the bedside lamp casting gentle shadows on the walls. She was turned slightly towards him, her head resting on her arm, watching the quiet rise and fall of his chest.
"Do you ever think of the future?" she asked softly.
He opened his eyes, meeting hers. "Everyday, and lately, I see you in all of it"
Her heart warmed at his words, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "I see you too," she whispered. "Even if I can't remember my past, I want my future to be with you."
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Then that is all that matters, we will write our own story"
For a moment, they simply held each other's gaze, the air be tween them full of quiet certainty. She inched closer, their fingers intertwining under the blanket, and in that silent connection, both knew they had already chosen each other."
The morning sun rose gently, casting soft rays across the yard. Birds sang from the trees as she stepped outside, her dress simple yet graceful, her heart beating a little faster than usual. Today felt different, like the beginning of something bigger than herself. He joined her with a reassuring smile, carrying a small bag for the journey. "Ready?" he asked.
She nodded, though her fingers tightened slightly around the hem of her dress. "A little nervous," she admitted. He reached for her hand, steady and warm. "You don't have to be. She's waiting to welcome you, not judge you and I'll be right there."
His words soothed her more than he knew. She squeezed his hand back, finding courage in his touch. Together, they walked to the car, the road ahead stretching like an unwritten chapter.
As the engine hummed to life and the village came into view in the distance, she leaned her head against his shoulder, whispering to herself, "This is the start of my new family."
When they arrived, his mother was already waiting outside, a wrapper tied neatly around her waist. Her eyes lit up at the sight of her son, but quickly shifted to the woman by his side.
"This must be her," she said, her voice calm yet curious.
"Yes, mama," he replied, his tone warm but steady. "This is the woman I told you about."
She stepped forward, her hands rough from years of work but steady as she reached out. Amoke lowered her head respectfully and greeted her softly. His mother's gaze lingered but then softened into a small smile.
"You are welcome, my daughter," she said at last.
"Any woman who brings peace to my son's heart is already family to me."
Relief washed over her, and she smiled back, whispering, "Thank you, mama."
Inside, they sat together for a meal, laughter beginning to break the silence. Though questions about her past lingered in the older woman's mind, she chose to keep them for another day. For now, what mattered was the happiness glowing in her son's eyes.
Later in the afternoon, while he stepped outside to rest under the tree in the compound, his mother called Amoke into the kitchen. The small room smelled of spices and firewood, the air warm and familiar.
"Sit with me, my daughter," his mother said, patting the wooden stool beside her.
She obeyed quietly, folding her hands in her lap. The older woman studied her face for a moment, her eyes kind but sharp, carrying the weight of unspoken questions.
"You are beautiful," his mother began softly. "And I can see that you make my son happy. For that, I am grateful. But tell me… do you truly love him?"
She met the woman's gaze, her voice steady though her heart beat fast. "Yes, Mama. With all my heart. He gave me shelter when I had nothing, and love when I was lost. I don't know who I used to be… but I know my present self wants to be with your son."
When he returned to the house, he found the two women smiling faintly, their hands still linked on the wooden table. He paused at the doorway, curious.
"What are you two plotting without me?" he teased lightly.
His mother chuckled, releasing her hand. "Just women's talk," she replied, standing to stir the pot on the fire. "Nothing for you to worry about."
He looked at her, then at the woman beside him, sensing a quiet understanding had passed between them. Though neither spoke of it, the warmth in their eyes was enough to calm his heart.
As they prepared to leave later that evening, his mother walked them to the gate. She rested her hand on his shoulder, then turned to her future daughter-in-law. "Take care of each other," she said firmly.
"We will," she replied, her voice steady, though emotion brimmed in her chest.
On the way home, he couldn't stop glancing at her, noticing the softness in her smile. "What did she say to you?" he asked finally.
She turned her head toward him, her eyes shining. "She said… I'm family now."
His grip on the steering wheel tightened as a wave of joy washed over him. For the first time, he felt the future he dreamed of was truly within reach.
"So what next, when are we getting married." she asked.
"As soon as possible." they both laughed.
"Let us talk when we get home." he said.
"Okay babe."
The drive was quiet, yet their hearts brimmed with joy.