Chinonye Justina & Exodus Unimna

I did my NYSC in Lagos, and my PPA was where I met Papi. Let me take you down memory lane.

One day, I saw this handsome guy—you know, dark caramel—walk past, and suddenly, there was a rush of lust. I quickly shook my head: Mba nu, I can’t be caught doing that. This is a workplace. But what I didn’t know was that he had his eye on me too.

Back then, I had some shaky situationship going on—it was a mess. So I wasn’t even thinking about a relationship. I just wanted to focus on why I was in Lagos.

His colleague (Igbo guy, of course) noticed how he always admired me whenever I walked past and said, If you like my sister, collect her number. He smiled sheepishly that day and gave my number to Papi.

The following week, we went on a night date to the cinema—my favorite spot for a date. We talked and had our first kiss. It was cozy, so why not?

On our second date, he said, Nonye, I want to marry you. I laughed so hard. Me, who hates anything marriage and has gamophobia—it kicked in immediately.

But Papi was so patient with me. He indirectly chased other guys around. We chose each other, no hidden agenda.

Now? I can’t wait to say “I do” to my better half.

I noticed Nonye on her very first day at work.

She was calm, graceful, quiet, and carried herself with a quiet confidence that made her impossible not to notice. She minded her business, kept to herself, and always seemed in a hurry to get home.

But I saw her… and I liked everything I saw. What began as admiration quickly became certainty.

My colleague soon noticed the way I watched her whenever she walked by. He laughed and asked the obvious question: “Do you like her?” I said yes. He smiled and replied, “Then let’s make it happen.”

As if perfectly timed, she walked past us in that exact moment. He told me to collect her number. I did. And the rest became the best chapter of my life.

Our first date at the cinema was unforgettable. There was ease, laughter, and something special I could not explain.

By the second date, I already knew. So I told her boldly: “You are going to be my wife.” She laughed and didn’t believe me. But sometimes the heart knows long before the mind understands.

Today, she is my answered prayer, my perfect match, and the woman I choose over and over again.