My heart raced as I looked at David, his eyes filled with hope and affection. Deep inside, a battle waged – the memory of the strange incident with Ugochi’s number appearing on David’s phone as “ice cream and cakes” clouded my mind, casting shadows of doubt over this perfect moment. Was there something between them that I didn’t understand? Was this proposal genuine?
As if in response to my inner turmoil, Ugochi appeared behind David, holding beautifully decorated cupcakes. The words “Will you marry me?” were elegantly written on its surface in intricate icing.
Could she be in on the surprise? Was that the reason David saved her number with that strange name?
As much as I didn’t want my curiosity to ruin the special moment, there were several questions that needed answers, and because I was about to make the decision of a lifetime, I decided to clear things first, even if it meant postponing my response.
In that moment of uncertainty, I took a deep breath, gathering the courage to step forward. I gently pulled David up to his feet, my eyes locked with his, searching for the truth in his gaze.
“I need some answers, David,” I whispered, my voice barely audible above the hushed murmurs of the crowd, “you still haven’t explained what’s going on between you and my best friend.” I added, still looking into his eyes.
He nodded, understanding the depth of my confusion. “I’ll explain everything, Chioma. We can discuss that later. Just give me a chance to make you happy for a lifetime,” he pleaded, his eyes pleading for my trust.
“I really want to, but the thought of you with my best friend keeps haunting me” I replied,
Ugochi stepped closer to David and I to find out what was going on, as everyone in the room was now beginning to suspect something was not right, judging by their facial expressions and loud murmuring. “What’s up with you two? You’re keeping everyone waiting” she said, “She’s mad at me for saving your number as “ice cream and cakes” on my phone, she thinks there’s something between us” David replied, “Wait! You saved my number as ice cream and cakes?” Ugochi asked looking at David like he was crazy, “Well I couldn’t risk her finding your name on my phone, that would have ruined the surprise” David replied. Ugochi took a deep breath, her gaze shifting between David and me. “Chioma, it’s not what you think. David reached out to me a few weeks ago to help with planning your proposal. He took my number from your phone and called me to help. I have no idea why he stored my name as Ice Cream and cakes of all things, but I’m guessing that’s because I offered to help him arrange that for the proposal.” Ugochi explained, “I wanted this proposal to be perfect. Ugochi told me you were crazy about the cakes and icecream from a particular bakery and I asked her to sort out the orders for me and help with getting your friends and family to come. I just wanted to surprise you for your birthday,” David concluded, his voice laced with sincerity.
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The pieces of the puzzle were finally beginning to click into place, I had been upset about nothing. All the while, the two people I loved the most had been busy planning the perfect birthday proposal for me, but I ruined it with my paranoia. I had been acting like someone who had a paranoid personality disorder.
Paranoid personality disorder is a mental health condition characterised by a long-term pattern of distrust and suspicion of others without adequate reason to be suspicious. Symptoms typically start during late teens or early adult years. Some symptoms that people with paranoid personality disorder may experience include doubting the commitment, loyalty or trustworthiness of others and believing others are exploiting or deceiving them, being unforgiving and holding grudges, being very sensitive and taking criticism poorly, reading hidden meanings in the innocent remarks or casual looks of others, being cold and distant in their relationships with others and sometimes becoming controlling and jealous to avoid being betrayed. The cause of paranoid personality disorder is still unclear but is believed to be a combination of environmental and biological factors. Paranoid personality disorder can be treated using psychotherapy (speaking with a mental health professional).
“So why didn’t you just tell me when I asked in the car the other day?” I questioned, “ I didn’t want to ruin the surprise,” David explained, “but I guess I should just have told you anyway, because the whole surprise is ruined now, isn’t it?” he replied with a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
“No, it’s not” I said, “I’m sorry I doubted you. You can’t really blame me for being suspicious after all the betrayal I experienced in my last relationship” I replied hoping to make him see things from my point of view.
“I understand Chioma but I need you to understand that I’m not your ex and I would never betray you the way he did” David replied looking into my eyes. “So let’s start this over” he said, dropping to his knees once again, “Chioma, my darling, my everything. Will you make me the happiest man on Earth and marry me?”
My heart swelled with emotion. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I nodded, my voice barely audible as I managed to whisper, “Yes, David, yes!”
Applause erupted around us as everyone watched David put the ring on my finger after the nerve racking few minutes of disruption I had caused. David’s smile was radiant as he slid the ring onto my finger, sealing our promise of forever.
I couldn’t help but stare at the ring, its elegant design sparkling in the soft glow of the room. The diamond, carefully set in white gold, seemed to shimmer with a brilliance that matched the newfound happiness in my heart. Friends and family gathered around us, showering us with congratulations and warm wishes. Cameras flashed, capturing our joyous moments.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, David leaned in close, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “There’s one more surprise,” he said, his voice a gentle whisper that sent shivers down my spine.
Curious, I looked at him, my heart racing with anticipation. “What is it?” I asked, unable to contain my excitement.
Find out what happens next tomorrow in episode 24 #checkwithdoctoro
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