He nodded and sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck.
« Faith, I’m so sorry. It’s been very difficult right now. I haven’t been paid yet this month. »
He took out a few crumpled bills—barely 1,000 naira—and hesitantly handed them to her.
« That’s all I have for now. Try to make something of it. »
Faith took the money delicately and smiled.
« It’s okay, I’ll manage. »
She said it with such sincerity, such gentleness, that Eddie’s chest tightened. She didn’t complain. She didn’t pout. She simply slipped the money into her loincloth and went to the market.
In the evening, when he returned home, the small room smelled of sauce, spices, and the warmth of a real meal. She had managed to prepare a simple dish with almost nothing.
While they ate, Eddie kept looking at her silently. After a while, he asked softly,
« Faith, why did you marry me, knowing I have nothing? »
She smiled and looked up at him.
« Because I believe in you. From the way you speak, the way you treat people, I can see that you’re a good man. I know that one day you’ll succeed. And even if you don’t, I’m already happy with you. »
He stared at her, speechless.
No one had ever made him feel so respected, so seen.
Each day, Faith amazed him more and more. She cleaned, cooked, prayed, laughed, always with the same humble heart. Every time he gave her something, even a small amount, she smiled and repeated the same words, which pierced him every time:
« I’ll manage. »
He looked at her then, astonished, and murmured,
« But… what kind of woman are you, Faith? »
One morning, she crossed paths with the owner of the manor and froze.
It was Daniel. And on his arm, Anita.
Daniel’s eyes widened.
« Faith? »
« Yes, sir, » she replied calmly.
Eddie immediately added,
« She’s my wife, sir. »
Daniel gave a cold smile.
« Your wife? Interesting. »
From that day on, the atmosphere became tense.
Anita seized every opportunity to humiliate Faith.
« Look at your life, » she mocked. « Married to a warden. How romantic… »
One morning, Anita asked Faith to prepare breakfast for her and Daniel.
Daniel refused:
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