Love Found Me When I Wasn’t Looking (Episode 21)

Victoria’s POV

My mother didn’t waste time anymore.

The softness she once used was gone. Now, every conversation felt like an interrogation disguised as concern. That evening, she came to my place unannounced, her wrapper neatly tied, her face set in that familiar serious expression that meant trouble.

“Sit down, Victoria,” she said.

I obeyed.

She looked around the room briefly before fixing her eyes on me. “You’re not a child anymore. Time is going.”

I sighed quietly. “Mum 

“There is a man in Abuja,” she interrupted. “Rich. Responsible. His people have spoken again.”

My heart tightened. “Mum, I told you already. I’m seeing someone.”

She scoffed lightly. “Seeing who? Love does not feed a family. Love does not build a future.”

I swallowed. “He does.”

She leaned forward. “Is he rich?”

The question landed hard.

“He’s hardworking,” I replied carefully.

“That’s not what I asked,” she snapped. “Is he rich?”

Silence.

She shook her head slowly. “Victoria, I didn’t train you to suffer. I don’t want you marrying a man who will be counting coins while others are living well.”

“Mum, please,” I said, my voice shaking. “I’m happy.”

“Happiness is not enough,” she said firmly. “This Abuja man is ready. His house is ready. His money is ready. And I will not hear excuses anymore.”

My chest burned.

“I love someone else,” I whispered.

She stood up. “Love can grow. Poverty grows faster.”

Her words cut deep.

Before leaving, she turned back. “Think very well. Because I will not support foolishness.”

The door closed behind her, and I sat there, trembling.

For the first time, fear crept into my love.

Daniel’s POV

I was reviewing documents when my father called me into the living room that night.

His tone was calm but serious.

I sat across from him, already sensing where this was going.

“There’s something we need to discuss,” he said.

“Yes, sir.”

He folded his hands. “You’re doing well at the company. Very well. And because of that, it’s time to settle other matters.”

I stayed quiet.

“I promised a friend many years ago,” he continued. “A good man. He helped me when I was building this company. He’s late now, but before he died, I made a vow.”

My stomach tightened.

“You will marry his daughter,” my father said plainly.

The words hit me like a slap.

“Sir…,” I began.

“She’s educated. Well raised. From a respectable family,” he added. “The wedding will strengthen old ties.”

I inhaled slowly. “I’m already in a relationship.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Long distance?”

“Yes.”

He shook his head. “That’s not serious.”

“It is to me,” I said firmly.

He stood up. “Daniel, I didn’t ask if it was serious. I told you what will happen.”

I stood too. “Sir, with all respect, I can’t marry someone I don’t love.”

His voice hardened. “Love didn’t build this house. Promises did. Loyalty did.”

I clenched my jaw. “You’re asking me to live a life I didn’t choose.”

He stepped closer. “I’m reminding you of a promise made before you even understood responsibility.”

I wanted to tell him about Victoria. About her strength. Her patience. Her heart.

But I didn’t.

He didn’t know her.
He didn’t know she was a teacher.
And for now, I kept it that way.

“I need time,” I said carefully.

He stared at me for a long moment. “Time does not cancel promises.”

Victoria’s POV

That night, I called Daniel.

I tried to sound normal, but he noticed immediately.

“What happened?” he asked.

“My mum came,” I admitted. “She’s serious about the Abuja man.”

There was silence on the line.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“I’m scared,” I confessed. “Not because I don’t love you… but because everyone around me thinks love isn’t enough.”

His voice dropped. “My father told me something today too.”

My heart skipped. “What?”

“He wants me to marry someone else,” he said quietly.

I sat up straight. “What?”

“A promise he made long ago.”

Tears filled my eyes. “So… what do we do?”

“We don’t give up,” he said without hesitation. “Not now. Not like this.”

“But they’re both pressuring us,” I whispered.

“I know,” he replied. “But Victoria, listen to me. I’m building something not just money. A future where no one can decide for us.”

I held the phone tightly. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” he said. “Even if it gets hard, I’m not walking away.”

I closed my eyes, letting his words steady me.

Daniel’s POV

After the call ended, I sat alone, staring at the city lights.

Two families.
Two promises.
Two paths.

And one woman who had become my heart.

I knew one thing clearly

Whatever came next,
whoever stood against us,
I would not let my life be decided without a fight.

Love had brought me this far.

And I wasn’t about to betray it now.

continue reading Episode 22