" I love my wife and I don't want to hurt her feelings. If I decide to take a second wife, something within me is telling me the lady will look down on my wife. I prefer we look for a random girl who will just serve as a carrier. " Femi thought within himself as he laid on the bed.
Follow
Engr Happy oghenerobo Phillips for next episode
Femi turned and saw his wife sleeping already. He didn't want to disturb her sleep. She had been crying ever since she made the suggestion to him. He admired his wife and her strength. He knew what she was going through. He placed his hand on his wife's body and she used it to wrap herself.
The next morning, Femi woke up and his wife had already gone to make breakfast for him. He got ready to leave for work. His wife looked a bit happy and Femi didn't want to spoil her mood. He bade her goodbye and left.
Follow
Engr Happy oghenerobo Phillips for next episode
Odera waited for her husband to give her a response to what he suggested but he didn't say anything about it. She was the one mostly affected because all eyes were on her. People will talk about her whenever she passes any gathering. Her in-laws would call her to know why she hasn't taken in. Odera wasn't strong enough at heart. She never knew she would one day be called a barren woman.
Odera took out her phone and dialed Olamma's number. She called Olamma and told her she would love to see her later in the day in her house.
A few minutes past 2pm, Olamma knocked on Odera's door. Odera welcomed her. After a little catching up, Odera decided to tell Olamma why she called her.
" Ola, I've known you for a long time now. We both have been friends despite our age difference. I have something that has been bothering me. I wish to make a request and I sincerely hope you won't say no to me "
---
Femi sat on the edge of the bed, wide awake, staring at the ceiling as if it held the answers he desperately needed.
Odera had finally fallen asleep, but the echoes of her words haunted him.
> “Get a second wife… or find someone for surrogacy.”
The two options tore at his heart. He loved his wife. He didn’t want another woman in his life, much less one that might bring division or heartbreak. Yet, he couldn't ignore the growing pressure from his family — or the ache inside him to hold his own child.
---
The Next Day
Femi left for work earlier than usual. He needed space to think. The office was quieter than usual, but his mind was loud with worries.
That afternoon, his mother called.
> “Femi, my son… how is Odera? Any news?”
> “Mama, she is fine. No news yet,” he replied softly.
> “My dear, time is not on our side. At least consider finding a solution. Your father is getting older… He wants to see your child before he goes.”
The call ended with a long silence, and that silence followed him home.
---
Later that Night
Odera was in the kitchen preparing dinner when Femi walked in. Her eyes were tired but determined.
> “I’ve spoken to my friend. Her name is Amaka. She’s willing to help in any way we choose.”
Femi looked at his wife. Her strength amazed him. Even in her brokenness, she was trying to make him whole.
> “What kind of help?” he asked cautiously.
> “If you choose surrogacy, she can carry the baby. If you choose marriage, she said she would agree—only if I’m okay with it. She’s humble and God-fearing.”
Femi sighed and leaned back on the couch.
> “What would you prefer, Odera?”
> “Honestly?” she whispered. “None of it. But I love you enough to give you a choice.”
---
A Week Later
Femi agreed to meet Amaka.
She was indeed kind, respectful, and surprisingly soft-spoken. She didn’t smile too much, nor speak too much. She simply said:
> “I’m not here to break any home. I just want to help in any way God permits.”
They began with prayer and fasting. If this path wasn’t God’s will, Femi didn’t want it.
But as days turned into weeks, Femi saw something in Amaka — a quiet strength, a woman raised with values, and someone who never looked down on Odera.
---
Femi’s Dilemma
In the stillness of the night, Femi would sit outside, staring at the stars.
He still hadn’t made a decision.
He remembered his wedding day, how Odera smiled through her veil, how she made him laugh even when life was hard. He remembered her pain, her tears, her silent sacrifices.
Was it fair to even consider another woman?
Yet… was it fair to raise his children in a lineage that may never come?
---
One Month Later
Odera walked into the bedroom one evening and found Femi holding Amaka’s photograph.
> “You like her,” she said with a calmness that surprised even herself.
Femi didn’t deny it.
> “She’s a good woman,” he admitted.
> “Then let’s do this. I’ll speak with her and my pastor. If she is the one, I’ll welcome her — not as a rival, but as someone who may help us complete our family.”
Tears filled Femi’s eyes.
> “You are stronger than I am,” he whispered.
> “No, I’m just a woman who knows what love looks like,” she replied, hugging him tightly.
And for the first time in a long time, Femi cried.
--- Smile Bright Ihuoma
TO BE CONTINUED…