I Rejected the Richest Guy in Church—Here’s Why I Don’t Regret It – Episode 1

I Rejected the Richest Guy in Church—Here’s Why I Don’t Regret It – Episode 1

EPISODE 1: The Proposal That Shook the Church

I still remember that Sunday morning like it was yesterday. The choir had just finished leading us in a powerful worship session, and Pastor Daniel was rounding up his sermon on “God’s Timing.” The church was packed as usual—Grace Tabernacle Ministry was one of the biggest Pentecostal churches in Lagos.

As I sat in my usual spot, close to the aisle, trying to meditate on the message, I noticed the murmuring around me. People were whispering, some smiling, others nudging each other excitedly. I turned to my best friend, Amaka, sitting beside me.

“What’s going on?” I asked, confused.

She grinned. “You’ll soon find out.”

Just then, Pastor Daniel cleared his throat and raised his hand, signaling for silence. The murmuring died down immediately. Then, he smiled warmly and spoke into the microphone.

“Brethren, today is a very special day. A young man in our midst has come forward with a noble request, and we as a church family are here to witness this beautiful moment.”

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. My heart started beating fast, though I didn’t know why.

“Brother Charles, please come forward,” Pastor Daniel announced.

A tall, well-dressed young man in a navy-blue suit walked confidently to the front of the church. My heart nearly stopped when I saw who it was—Charles Okafor.

The richest, most eligible bachelor in the church.

The successful businessman who had several branches of his company across Nigeria and even outside the country.

The same Charles who had been secretly sending me gifts and messages for months, though I never gave him a serious response.

He took the microphone, smiled at the congregation, then turned to face me.

I felt my whole body freeze.

“Chinaza,” he called my name gently.

A gasp rippled through the church. People were already whispering and looking at me. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me.

Charles continued, his voice filled with confidence. “From the first day I saw you, I knew you were the one for me. Your kindness, humility, and love for God are rare. I have prayed about this, and I believe you are my wife.”

I swallowed hard. My hands were shaking.

“In front of God and this church, I ask you, Chinaza… Will you marry me?”

The entire church erupted in cheers, claps, and excited murmurs.

Amaka squeezed my hand. “Naza, this is it! Say yes!”

I looked at Charles, then at the crowd. Everyone was watching me, waiting for my answer.

But deep inside me, I knew the truth.

I couldn’t marry Charles.

And I knew exactly why.

To be continued…