Just like that, the eyes I felt lost in when I looked into them, the lips that I always craved for, the body I had always admired—the man of my dreams—became an annoyance to me.
Never in my wildest imagination did I believe Jack and I could be like this.
Jack and I met after my university. I was just walking down the road to get something to eat on a Saturday evening.
I had finished school and was waiting to be assigned so I could serve my country in NYSC camp.
That very day has been something I can never forget. He was walking in the opposite direction. From a distance, I had already sighted a tall man, dark in complexion, wearing a white senator.
We stared at each other as we walked. The stare continued and became intense as we came closer. I couldn't remove my eyes. I felt drawn, and I couldn't tell why. He had a smile on his face—the type that could melt a heart. The smile revealed his beautiful set of white teeth. His lips looked soft and kissable. I swear I wished I could kiss them.
I remember hearing myself mumble, “Wow.” The scent from him made him even more attractive. He was perfect.
We stopped walking as we got very close to each other, and he stretched forth his hand for a handshake. I took his hand and we greeted, but honestly.
I could feel my thighs tingling—my feet almost gave me away.
He asked for my contact, which I gave him, and we went our way.
After that day, we started talking and chatting. He asked for a date, and we went. It was the most beautiful date I had ever been on.
Jack was a real gentleman—down to earth and loyal. I secretly wished to keep him forever. I just wanted him to myself.
We had passionate and intense love. My friends would always make jokes and say “love nwantiti” but I no even send. I had loved him so much that I was willing to give him everything if he wanted.
On my rainy days, his arms were my comfort. I could slip into his arms and not worry about a thing. He made me feel safe and never gave me a reason to doubt his love for me.
“I love you, Emma. I don't know what you have done to me.” These words always made me smile sheepishly 🙈
I got assigned to Delta for my NYSC. It was really far because we were staying in Imo State, but we promised to make our relationship work.
Over there in the camp, he called and texted. He made sure I had everything I needed. I didn't even need to spend my allowee money because he always came through.
We kept in touch and
fought to make our love work. My roommate back in camp called me “lover girl.” I fell harder for Jack each passing day.
Our relationship had little problems here and there, but we overcame all. I met a lot of people—guys included. I met tall, cute guys, but they weren't as cute as mine (Jack).
After my NYSC, I went back to my place and everything went back to the way it used to be.
On a cool Sunday evening, Jack invited me over to a small gathering at his place with friends and neighbours.
The party was going smoothly. Of course, Jack and I danced and drank. My God, Jack is cute—I could literally stare at him all day without getting tired.
During the party, I couldn't see Jack. I searched for him, but he was nowhere. I asked his best friend who told me to go look for him at the garden.
I went to the garden and couldn't believe my eyes—tears were rolling down my cheeks non-stop.
There were candles and beautiful lights, all beautifully arranged around the garden. It was dark, and the darkness made the lights shine brighter.
And there was Jack, on one knee, with a beautiful-looking ring. The light made the ring flicker.
Jack had a smile on his face—that same smile that made me fall head over heels. I came closer while crying.
I was crying, not because I never dreamt of getting married to him one day—in fact, I had always dreamt of being his wife.
Making him mine was all I ever wanted. But that day, I just couldn't help it. I guess I was too excited.
I knew then that happiness could make one cry.
Jack proposed to me that night, and of course, it was a dream come true. I accepted the ring, and a month later, we got married.
Our marriage was beautiful. It was everything I wanted. Jack worked in the ministry, while I opened a private vet clinic. Everything was going well.
But a year into our marriage, my behavior towards Jack changed. I didn't know what happened—I just couldn't tell.
All I knew is that I preferred staying out than staying with him. I could watch TV and sleep in the sitting room.
Even when I would wake up and find myself sleeping beside him on the bed, I would go back to the sitting room with the excuse that I wanted to watch a program.
I could no longer look him in the eyes. Even when I did, it wasn't with love anymore.
I couldn't believe that I was able to resist Jack's advances towards me. I only allowed a peck.
I knew something was wrong, but I couldn't place my hands on it. I loved Jack, and I knew it—but what was happening?
I felt lost, like I was standing in the middle of the road.
I decided to play along with Jack, hoping I would feel the attraction again—but it didn't work.
I couldn't bring myself to tell Jack, because what would I say is wrong? Nothing happened between us—we were perfect. And suddenly, this?
Jack was everything I ever needed in a man, so how can I not love him anymore?
I decided to go for counseling. The marriage counselor advised me to start seeing him as a boyfriend, not my husband—but that wasn’t fruitful.
Jack asked me one day if I hated him. I replied by saying that he knows I love him with my life.
We continued that way, and I continued seeing different therapists. One of them asked me to bring Jack along with me, but I couldn’t, so I didn’t go back again.
I loved Jack, and I didn’t ever want to stop loving him.
One day, I summoned the courage and told him that I needed a break.
He looked at me sternly and said, “Whatever you do, please don’t break me. I can’t take it.”
I didn’t want to hurt the man in front of me. He had given me everything I could ever ask for and more, so I was ready to do anything to go back to how we used to be.
I travelled to Lagos to have my so-called break. Maybe I just needed fresh air. Jack kept calling and asking how I was doing. But all through my stay, I didn’t call him once.
Even when he suggested a video call, I bluntly refused. I became harsher to him each day, and I didn’t like it.
After two weeks, I came back to the house. He cooked and served me. Jack hadn’t changed—but how come I had changed so much?
I silently planned how to tell Jack that I had fallen out of love with him. At the same time, I was afraid of hurting him.
I finally made up my mind to tell him one night.
“Jack,” I called. “I don’t know how you are going to take this, but I really have to tell you. I do hope you forgive me for ruining something so beautiful.”
Jack remained calm and just stared at me. Then he suddenly spoke,
“If it will hurt me, then don’t tell me. I don’t want to hear it.”
“I have to tell you, because I can’t keep pretending,” I blurted.
“I’m sorry Jack, I don’t love you anymore. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t know what happened.”
Jack looked at me. He tried to talk but he couldn’t. I saw him opening and closing his mouth.
We remained silent for up to five minutes. The silence echoed. We were so quiet I could hear my own breath. Even the sound of a pin falling could be heard at that moment.
“Jack, please say something,” I said.
“What am I supposed to say? I guess you decided to say it after all.”
Jack left the house, and I couldn’t reach him for hours.
I was in the kitchen trying to fix us something to eat that night when I heard:
“Did I do something wrong?
I haven’t even cheated on you once.
I have never mistreated you.
I have tried my best to be the best husband… so what is this?”
Jack was already crying, but I only said the truth, I thought to myself.
“I want a divorce, Jack. I can’t keep lying to myself and to you.”
“Please, please, please, Emma, let’s try to fix this. We can fix this—as a family…”
“You think I haven’t tried fixing it? It’s not working. It’s better we go our separate ways and carry on with our lives. You will get over me with time.”
I made dinner and ate, while Jack sat on the floor drinking. I didn’t know how to comfort him, as I was the cause of his misery.
I went to bed and slept. I woke up in the middle of the night to see Jack kissing me. I tried to resist, but he was long gone into it, so I just let him have his way.
The next day, Jack suggested we go for counseling: “Give us one month. If you still feel the same way, I will let you go.”
Well, I agreed and we went.
We started a new relationship. We went on vacation together—to the same place we had our honeymoon. We even visited places we had been to while we were dating.
A month later, I fell sick and went for a checkup in the hospital. I was told I was pregnant.
Truthfully, I didn’t know how I felt. I didn’t know if I was happy or sad.
“Does being pregnant mean I have to stay with the man I feel nothing for?” I questioned myself.
“Maybe it’s a good sign,” I also thought.
I told Jack about it, and he was extremely happy. He carried me up and thanked me, though I had no idea why he was thanking me.
During the pregnancy, Jack was so helpful. He massaged me when I needed it and was ready to stay awake with me when I didn’t feel like sleeping.
I knew I married well. I knew I had the best man to myself.
But love is complex, I guess. Our feelings aren’t stable.
I finally gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Through the labour, Jack was there—encouraging me and assuring me he would always be here.
Henry, my baby boy, looked so much like Jack. He had his eyes.
Henry brought a whole new season of happiness and joy into our marriage.
I never thought of divorce again. After having Henry, my only thought was to give him the best and be the best mother.
My love for Jack was back.
Who wouldn’t love such a man?
I love the man Jack is.
And I’m not separating from him—ever.
Thank you for stopping by and reading through..
The pictures are AI generated.