Love Found Me When I Wasn’t Looking (Episode 12)

Victoria’s POV

I knew my mother was coming before she said it.

Her voice on the phone that morning carried that familiar firmness the tone that didn’t ask permission.

“I’m coming to your house today,” she said. “We need to talk properly about that man in Abuja.”

My heart sank.

“Mummy ” I started.

“No excuses,” she cut in. “This is your future we’re talking about.”

The line went dead.

I sat on my bed for a long time, staring at the wall, my chest tight. I already knew what the conversation would be about. I already knew how it would end raised voices, tears I’d try to hide, and that deep ache that came whenever love and duty stood on opposite sides.

By afternoon, she arrived.

I heard her knock sharp, purposeful. When I opened the door, she stepped in without waiting, eyes scanning my apartment like she was measuring my life.

“You look thinner,” she said, sitting down. “Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine, mummy,” I replied, though my voice lacked conviction.

She didn’t waste time.

“This Abuja man,” she began, folding her wrapper neatly. “He is serious. His family is serious. He has money, connections, a future. What more are you looking for?”

I swallowed. “Mummy… I told you I’m seeing someone.”

She waved it off. “That teacher?”

The word landed like an insult.

“Yes,” I said quietly. “Daniel.”

Her face hardened. “Victoria, be realistic. Love does not feed children. Love does not build houses. Teachers suffer. I suffered watching teachers struggle. I don’t want that life for you.”

My eyes burned.

“He’s not lazy,” I said, my voice shaking. “He’s kind. He respects me. He loves me.”

She leaned forward. “Love will fade when bills come.”

Silence filled the room.

Then she said the words that truly broke me.

“If you marry that teacher, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Tears slid down my face before I could stop them. “Why can’t you trust my choice?”

“Because you’re thinking with your heart,” she replied. “I’m thinking with experience.”

I stood up, unable to sit anymore. “And what if my heart is right?”

She looked at me for a long moment. Then she stood too.

“You will marry the man in Abuja,” she said firmly. “I won’t bless a marriage built on struggle.”

That word bless cut deep.

When she left, my apartment felt empty, colder than it had ever felt.

I sank onto the couch and cried quietly, painfully, like someone mourning a decision not yet made.

Daniel’s POV 

When Victoria called me that evening, I knew immediately something was wrong.

Her voice was small. Careful.

“My mum came today,” she said.

I closed my eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“She wants me to marry him,” Victoria continued. “She said she won’t support me if I choose you.”

The words hit me harder than I expected.

I wanted to say something brave. Something strong.

Instead, I said the truth. “That must hurt.”

“It does,” she whispered. “Because I love you… but I don’t want to lose my family.”

My chest tightened.

“You don’t have to decide anything now,” I said gently. “I don’t want to be the reason you’re torn.”

There was a pause.

“Daniel,” she said softly, “what if love is not enough?”

I answered without hesitation. “Then we make it enough. Together.”

She didn’t reply immediately. When she did, her voice was breaking.

“I’m scared.”

“So am I,” I admitted. “But I’d rather be scared with you than safe without you.”

Victoria’s POV

After the call ended, I lay in the dark, my mother’s words echoing in my head… and Daniel’s voice resting in my heart.

Two futures stood before me.

One built on comfort and approval.
One built on love and uncertainty.

And for the first time, I understood something clearly:

Choosing love would cost me something.

The question was no longer who do I love

But what am I willing to lose ?

Episode 13