Love Found Me When I Wasn’t Looking (Episode 2)

If love truly announces itself, then gossip announces it louder.

I didn’t realize people were watching us until they started talking. At first, it was playful jokes from fellow teachers. Then it became whispers, glances, and knowing smiles. Anytime Daniel and I laughed together or stood too close, I could feel eyes following us.

One afternoon, a bold pupil asked, “Madam Victoria, is Uncle Daniel your husband?”

My heart jumped. I almost dropped the chalk in my hand.

Daniel laughed softly. “No, we’re just teachers,” he replied calmly, but I noticed how he avoided my eyes afterward.

That question stayed with me longer than it should have.

Later that day, one of my colleagues pulled me aside. “Victoria, be careful,” she warned gently. “Office love is sweet at the beginning, but it can bring trouble.”

I nodded, even though my heart didn’t agree. In Nigeria, people rarely mind their business when it comes to matters of the heart.

The next few days felt strange. Daniel noticed it immediately.

“You’ve been distant,” he said during break time. “Did I offend you?”

I hesitated before answering. “People are talking,” I said quietly. “I don’t want issues.”

He nodded slowly. “I understand. But I don’t want to pretend I don’t feel anything.”

That honesty unsettled me. I had been hurt before, and I had promised myself to be careful with my heart.

One Friday afternoon, as teachers were leaving the staffroom, Daniel stopped me.

“Victoria,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, “can I have your number?”

My heart skipped.

I looked around instinctively, half-expecting someone to be watching. “Why?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

“I’d like to know you outside school,” he said. “Properly.”

There was nothing rude or forceful in his tone. Just sincerity. After a long pause, I gave him my number. The moment I walked away, my phone vibrated.

Daniel: *Thank you for trusting me.*

I smiled before I could stop myself.

That evening, he called.

His voice sounded different on the phone—warmer, more personal. We talked about our childhoods, our dreams, and why we chose teaching. He listened attentively, laughed at my jokes, and never once crossed a line.

Before hanging up, he cleared his throat. “Victoria… can I take you out this weekend?”

Silence filled the line.

I thought of gossip, expectations, and fear. I also thought of how safe I felt talking to him.

“Let me think about it,” I said.

“I’ll wait,” he replied softly.

That night, my phone rang again.

It was my mother.

“Victoria,” she said, “your aunt called today. There is a man interested in you. He works in Abuja. Good job, good family.”

I closed my eyes.

Life had a strange way of testing me.

Now I stood between two choices one approved and predictable, the other uncertain but genuine. Daniel was kind, patient, and intentional. But love in Nigeria is never just between two people; families and expectations always have a say.

As I lay on my bed that night, my phone buzzed.

Daniel: *Whatever you decide, I respect you.*

Tears filled my eyes.

Because I knew my answer would change everything.

continue reading Episode 3