As Amaka and Tunde's relationship grew stronger, the shadows of her past occasionally crept in. Though Tunde had proven his commitment time and time again, Amaka couldn't help but question whether their love could withstand the challenges ahead.
One evening, after a particularly exhausting day, Amaka shared her concerns with Tunde.
"What if my PCOS makes it impossible for us to have children?" she asked hesitantly.
Tunde took her hands in his, his expression unwavering. "Amaka, I fell in love with you—not with the idea of having kids or building a perfect life. Whatever happens, we'll face it together. You're all I need."
His words brought her to tears, but they also triggered a deeper fear she hadn't voiced before: what if she wasn't enough?
---
That night, she called Ifeanyi, seeking solace in their familiar conversations.
"Do you ever feel like you're not enough?" she asked him.
"All the time," Ifeanyi admitted. "But you taught me that being enough isn't about meeting anyone else's expectations. It's about being true to yourself."
Amaka smiled through her tears. "You always know the right thing to say."
"That's what best friends are for," he replied.
---
Though Ifeanyi's words comforted her, Amaka knew she couldn't rely on him forever. Her bond with Tunde required her full attention, and she resolved to work through her fears with him by her side.
"I'm not perfect, Tunde," she confessed during one of their quiet evenings together. "I have a lot of baggage."
"Everyone does," Tunde said, pulling her close. "The difference is, I'm not afraid to carry it with you."
---
Despite their growing intimacy, Amaka noticed a subtle distance forming between her and Ifeanyi. Their conversations were still filled with warmth, but they lacked the depth they once had.
Ngozi noticed the change too.
"You and Ifeanyi have always been close," she remarked one day. "But maybe it's time to let him go a little. You're building something special with Tunde, and that deserves your full attention."
Amaka nodded, knowing her friend was right. But letting go of Ifeanyi, even just a little, felt like losing a piece of herself.
---
Meanwhile, her professional life continued to soar. Her blog had been picked up by a prominent women's health organization, and she was offered a chance to co-author a book about PCOS. It was a dream come true, but it also added to the pressure she felt to maintain balance in her life.
"I'm so proud of you," Tunde said when she shared the news. "But don't forget to take care of yourself too."
"I won't," she promised, though she wasn't entirely sure how to keep that promise.
---
As Amaka juggled her personal and professional responsibilities, she began to realize that love wasn't just about grand gestures or romantic moments. It was about showing up, day after day, even when things felt overwhelming.
And in Tunde, she found someone who was willing to do just that.