18/06/2026
TO BE LIKE NORA by Olowojesiku Deborah IyanuOluwa.
Episode 12
Tade's P.O.V
I suddenly stopped descending the stairs the moment I came face to face with my daughter. With no reasonable doubt, she is indeed mine, she looks so much like me and I could feel the deep connection while I stare at her. I didn't know when I walked to her and scoop her into my hands. I had to put her down when I realised she was becoming uncomfortable.
'Mommy, who is this man?' My little girl asked her mom after I dropped her.
'Okay sweetie...' Nimi adjusted the collar of Tolani's dress while searching for the right answer to give our daughter. At that point, I felt bad for being away for that long, it was obvious I had to give my daughter time to warm up to me and that I was ready to do.
'Mummy, you aren't saying anything.' Tolani called out to her mother who was still trying to find the right words.
'So baby, what did I tell you about your daddy the day you asked if you have a father?
'You said my daddy travelled far away to make plenty money so that he would be able to make life comfortable for us.'
'Good, so, daddy is back and he loves you already. Remember I told you I have a surprise for you, daddy's return is the surprise. So, go into daddy's arms and enjoy the warmth of your father.'
'Daddy?' Tolani called out to me with tears running down her face. I walked up to her and pulled her into my arms only to realise I had been crying too. While in my arms, i began to remember the numerous dreams I had about playing with a little girl. I never knew God was telling me about my daughter and wanted me to go home to be a father to her. Right there, I promised God I would love, care for and protect this blessing he has given to me.
'Its okay baby, you don't need to cry.' I tried to pacify my crying princess.
'Daddy, please don't leave us again. Even though mommy has been acting like a a strong woman, I know she has been crying and praying for you to come back. Grandma and Grandpa has also been praying that God will bring you back home. Daddy, please don't leave us again.' Tolani pleaded with tears still dropping from her eyes. I looked at Nimi and saw her wiping away tears. My heart broke seeing the most important women in my life crying.
'Baby, I won't leave you and mommy again. I want you to know that you and mommy are so special to me and I will do everything possible to make you happy.'
'Last night, Grandma told me to ask God for a birthday gift and I told God to bring my daddy home. Grandma said God answers prayers, she is right.'
'Yes, my daughter. God answers prayers and I am promising you a beautiful and special birthday party.'
'Ohh, thank you so much daddy. I love you already.' Tolani fell into my arms again and I couldn't stop my tears from flowing while I rocked her hair.
Nimi who wanted us to have a father-daughter moment left us alone. I asked Tolani if she wanted me to get her something only for her to tell me that she wanted to remain in my arms. I smiled when I realised my daughter had been raised with love and now that I am in her life, I would spoil her with much love.
Tolani fell asleep in my arms, I carried her into her room and laid her on the bed. I kissed her forehead before stepping out of her bedroom only for her smile in her sleep, it was such a beautiful sight. I locked the door gently and went into the masters bedroom to meet my wife. She wiped her tears immediately she saw me coming but I had already seen it. I walked close to her with a strong desire to love, care for and protect my woman.
'What is my woman doing all alone in the room?'
'Where is Tolani?' Nimi asked dodging my question.
'In her room. She fell asleep in my arms so I took her to her room.' I replied as I took her by the hands and draw her closer to me.
'She is a sweet girl. My mom has been doing a lot on her.' Nimi said trying to avoid my gaze.
'Thank you for keeping and raising my daughter. She is such a sweet girl, all thanks to you. I promise to love, care for and always be there for both of you, I am back for good.' I saw tears escape from Nimi's eyes and this time around, she didn't bother to wipe or hide it, she simply let it flow.
'Please, don't leave us again.' Nimi pleaded in tears making me emotional.
Without giving her a response, I drew her closer and wiped her tears away. That moment, something happened to me, my love for her suddenly doubled. I kept speaking reassuring words to her until we found ourselves in a world of ecstasy.
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Nimi's P.O.V
I couldn't help but shed tears while listening to the conversation of both father and daughter. For years, I watched my daughter's grow without a father. There were times, I cried myself to sleep because I was the reason her father left the house.
Before she clocked four, I had little or no worry about her father being in her life. But after her fourth birthday, she began to ask questions as to why her friends had father and mother while she only has a mother. After unnecessary promises that her father would be back someday, I finally told her that daddy travelled far away to go make plenty money for us so that he would be able to make life comfortable for us. That helped a bit but it didn't stop her from asking after her father.
My heart broke the day she asked me if her father would be at her sixth birthday party. Her classmate's father had come to the school with a birthday cake and lots of presents for his daughter. She explained that her classmate couldn't stop telling everyone how much her father loves her. Tolani came home that day looking so sad and pleaded with me to place a call through to her father so that she could talk to him. I simply pulled her into my arms because there was no way I would have explained to her that I had no access to her father as he had changed his line.
When Tade walked in that day, I was so grateful to God especially for the fact that my daughter would no longer have to pay for my sin. She is innocent and shouldn't be denied the love and presence of her father because of her mother's mistake.
Watching her pout out her heart to her father got me teary and if I didn't leave the living room, I might end up breaking down in tears. I left for the room as Tade and Tolani needed time alone to bond.
The moment Tade walked into the room after putting our daughter to sleep, something stirred up in me and I suddenly found myself admiring him. Tade returned home looking handsome and polished, his skin glitters making me want to ask if he has a skin routine. Well, I didn't want to bombard him with questions as I believe he would tell me all I need to know at the right time.
As soon as Tade sat beside me and held my hands, there was a rush of emotion and I decided to flow with the tide. He wiped away my tears and we both went on a journey of love.
'Tolani said her birthday is in two weeks. Please, let me know what it would cost for her to have an unforgettable birthday celebration.' Tade whispered to my ears while we were still in each other's arms.
'She would be so happy.'
'I would be sending you the sum of five million naira later today. You have always wanted to have a business of your own so, send your resignation letter to your boss and let's get your business started.'
'Come on, how did you get such amount of money? Who are you?' I asked with surprise written all over me and all Tade could do was to wink at me.
'Let's go prepare lunch together, I want my daughter to eat something delicious when she wakes up and then, I can give your question an answer or better still, take you somewhere.'
To be continued...