Chapter 3 After I Do

CHAPTER 3: After "I Do"

The ceremony passed in a blur of smiles, congratulations, and flashes of cameras, but Amara felt disconnected from it all. Her hands trembled slightly as she signed the marriage certificate, sealing her fate with a man she barely knew.

When the final guests left, the hall grew quiet. Amara stood by the doorway, unsure of what to do next. Her new husband approached her with calm, steady steps.

"I'm Chike," he said, his voice low but polite. "I know this isn't what you wanted."

Amara managed a faint nod. "I don't even know you."

Chike gave a small, understanding smile. "I didn't want this either, but here we are."

Silence settled between them as reality slowly sank in. They were married-bound by a decision neither of them had made for themselves.

"I'll give you time to adjust," he continued, hands in his pockets. "We don't have to force anything. Let's take things slowly."

For the first time that day, Amara felt her shoulders relax slightly. His calmness eased the tension in her chest, even if just for a moment.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Chike nodded. "Shall we go?"

With hesitant steps, Amara followed-into a future that felt both unfamiliar and uncertain.