The morning sunlight streamed softly into Destiny's living room, illuminating the gentle hum of her laptop as she scrolled through Ethan's social media. He had been away for a few days, traveling for a work project in Port Harcourt. Though they talked every night, she missed him deeply his laughter, his reassuring voice, the way he always knew how to calm her when the baby cried at night.
Hope cooed from her crib beside the couch, her tiny hands reaching out as if asking to be held. Destiny smiled, lifting her daughter and settling her against her chest. "You miss Daddy too, don't you?" she murmured, brushing a kiss over Hope's forehead.
As she absentmindedly scrolled through Ethan's old photos, one post caught her eye a throwback picture from a few years ago, captioned 'Grateful for another year, one step closer to my dreams.' The date made her pause.
Her eyes widened. "Wait Ethan's birthday is in three days?" she whispered. She frowned slightly. He hadn't mentioned it once during their calls. Typical Ethan always thinking of everyone else and forgetting to celebrate himself.
She picked up her phone and dialed his number. He answered on the second ring, his voice warm but tired. "Hey, my love. You sound cheerful. How's my princess doing?"
Destiny smiled softly. "We're fine. Hope's been extra playful today. But I just found something interesting on your page."
Ethan chuckled. "Uh oh. What did you find this time?"
She crossed her legs and leaned back on the sofa. "Don't play innocent, Ethan. Why didn't you tell me your birthday is in three days?"
There was a brief pause before he replied, laughing nervously. "Ah, you saw that? I didn't think it mattered much. I don't usually celebrate birthdays. It's just another day, really."
Destiny shook her head. "No, it's not just another day. You deserve to be celebrated, Ethan. You've done so much for me for us."
He sighed gently. "You're already my biggest gift, Destiny. But if you insist, maybe when I get back, we can have a quiet dinner. I'll cook this time."
She smiled at his humble tone but pressed on playfully. "Hmm. But if you could have anything for your birthday no limits what would it be?"
Ethan hesitated, thinking. "Honestly?" he said finally. "I've always dreamed of having my own house. Somewhere peaceful, where we could raise Hope and just build something lasting. But I haven't gotten there yet. Maybe soon."
Destiny's heart softened. "That's a beautiful dream," she said quietly. "Maybe sooner than you think."
He chuckled. "We'll see. For now, just keep Hope smiling for me, okay?"
When they hung up, Destiny sat still for a long time, Ethan's words echoing in her mind. A house. A dream he'd quietly nurtured but never demanded. Her eyes drifted toward a photo of the three of them , Ethan holding Hope while Destiny laughed beside them.
She knew what she had to do.
The next morning, Destiny called her lawyer and a trusted real estate agent she had met months ago during a charity event. "I need something special," she said. "A modern home, peaceful neighborhood, secure, and big enough for a family. And I need it finalized in three days."
The agent hesitated. "That's short notice, ma'am. But for you, we'll make it happen."
Destiny spent the next two days visiting properties, with her ex-mother-in-law, Mama Evelyn, by her side. Together they walked through a sleek five-bedroom house with wide glass windows, a spacious backyard, and a soft view of the city skyline.
When Destiny stepped into the living room, sunlight spilling through the glass, she whispered, "This feels like Ethan."
Her ex-mother-in-law smiled, squeezing her hand. "He'll love it. You're giving him more than a gift, Destiny. You're giving him a home a symbol of your faith in his dreams."
Destiny blinked back tears. "He deserves it. After everything he's done for me and Hope, I want him to know he's appreciated."
By the following afternoon, the papers were signed. ₦60 million. It felt surreal her own success had given her the means to give back to the man who had never asked for anything in return.
But Destiny wasn't done.
That same evening, she invited her ex-in-laws for dinner. When they arrived, she handed them a small, wrapped box. "Please open it," she said, smiling mysteriously.
Her ex-father-in-law unwrapped it and froze inside lay a sleek car key with the brand logo gleaming under the light.
Destiny took a deep breath. "You've both stood by me like real parents, even when life fell apart. You never judged me; you loved me. I wanted to show my gratitude in a small way. The car is yours. It's parked outside."
For a moment, silence filled the room. Then Mama Evelyn gasped, covering her mouth as tears filled her eyes. "Oh, Destiny my child"
Her husband smiled proudly, his voice thick with emotion. "You didn't have to, but you did. You've always had a heart of gold."
Destiny hugged them both tightly. "You helped me stand again. This is just my way of saying thank you."
Three days later, the big moment arrived. Ethan's flight landed in Lagos that afternoon. Destiny had arranged everything balloons, family, and even a small cake waiting at the new house.
When Ethan arrived at the airport, Destiny called him. "I'm sending you an address. Don't ask questions, just come," she said playfully.
He laughed. "Okay, mystery woman. I'm on my way."
An hour later, his car pulled up in front of the beautiful new house. Destiny stood by the gate, Hope in her arms, dressed in a white sundress. Her smile was radiant.
Ethan stepped out, confusion giving way to awe. "Destiny, what is this place?"
She walked toward him, heart pounding. "It's your birthday gift," she said softly. "Our home. You said you always wanted one. Well, now you have it."
Ethan froze, staring at her, then at the house again. "You bought this? For me?" His voice trembled.
Destiny nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "For us, Ethan. You've given me love, peace, and support I never imagined I'd have again. You deserve a home that reflects the beauty you've brought into my life."
Ethan dropped his bag and pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice breaking. "I don't even know what to say. No one's ever done anything like this for me, Destiny. You've made me feel seen truly seen."
Hope giggled between them, clutching her father's shirt as if sharing the moment.
Their family soon arrived Mama Evelyn, Papa John, Destiny's brother Fredrick, and Cynthia. Everyone cheered, hugging Ethan, admiring the house, and blessing the couple.
Fredrick grinned. "Ethan, you better keep treating my sister right. This kind of love deserves protection."
Ethan laughed through his tears. "Trust me, Fred, I'll spend the rest of my life proving I'm worthy of her."
Mama Evelyn added with a knowing smile, "This house will be filled with love, laughter, and the sound of Hope's little feet running around. That's what family is."
Later that evening, as the sun set over the city, they all gathered on the balcony. Ethan cut his birthday cake with Destiny by his side, her hand resting gently over his. Music played softly in the background, and the warm air carried laughter through the night.
Ethan turned to Destiny, his eyes soft and full of gratitude. "This isn't just a house," he said quietly. "It's a promise a reminder of what love, patience, and faith can build."
Destiny smiled, her heart full. "Exactly," she whispered. "And it's only the beginning."
As fireworks sparkled faintly in the distance, Ethan kissed her forehead and held her close, Hope nestled between them a family bound not by circumstance, but by love that kept rising beyond every border life had once placed before them.