The Ru Effect

chapter forty two

I stand in front of the mirror, smoothing down the soft, silky fabric of my gown. It clings to my body in all the right places, the deep wine color complementing my light skin perfectly.

The dress is a simple yet elegant design, with a sweetheart neckline and delicate straps that rest gently on my shoulders. The fabric flows down to the floor in gentle waves, swishing softly as I move. I love how it feels against my skin—luxurious, expensive.

The makeup my mother’s personal artist did on me makes me look like I’ve just stepped off the cover of a magazine.

My skin is flawless, glowing in the low light of my room, and my lips are painted a deep, sultry red that matches the gown.

I tilt my head slightly, admiring the soft smokey eyeshadow and the sharp contour that makes my cheekbones stand out even more. My new braids cascade down my back, the ends brushing just above my waist.

I can’t help but feel gorgeous. I’m used to feeling confident, but tonight? Tonight, I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

A small smile plays on my lips as I pick up my phone from the dresser and turn to face the mirror, angling it just right to capture my whole look. I take a cute mirror picture, posing a little before I press send, sending it straight to River.

It doesn’t take long before I see the dots appear at the bottom of the screen, indicating he’s typing.

My past texts with him have been good. Better than good. He’s been more open, more alive in our conversations these past few days.

He even helped me pick this gown. I remember sending him options, and his immediate response to the wine-colored one was, that’s the one.

Seeing him trying to be better makes me less worried, like maybe I don’t have to keep holding my breath, waiting for something to go wrong.

My phone pings with his response. A cute love sticker pops up on my screen, followed by a text:

River: Gorgeous Ru.

I feel my cheeks warm, my smile widening as I read his message. I’m about to respond when there’s a knock on my door. I glance up just as Tejiri pokes her head in, her face lit with excitement.

“The party’s starting, Kobi,” she says, her voice light and teasing. “You’re going to keep everyone waiting, and you know how Auntie Afoke gets when she doesn’t see you first.”

I roll my eyes playfully but can’t help the small laugh that escapes. I send a quick text back to River.

Me: Thank you, I’m about to head to the party. I’ll talk to you later.

Almost instantly, I see the typing dots again before River’s message pops up.

River: Alright, love.

The word “love” makes me pause for a moment. He’s been like this lately, more outspoken, more affectionate. And I love it.

I love how he seems more comfortable, more like the River I’ve always wanted to see. It makes me feel like we’re moving forward, even if it’s just little by little.

Shaking off the giddiness, I put my phone down and take one last glance in the mirror.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. I’m excited for the party, but I know the questions are coming.

The probing about marriage, husbands, expectations from relatives who think they know best. But right now, I feel good. I feel beautiful. And I have River’s text to carry with me for the night.