Mami Joa stood up immediately, her face tightening with anger. “Afia, I am very disappointed in you. After everything I have done for you, after raising you to become a woman of class, this is what you bring into my house?”
Boma stepped forward slightly, trying to speak. “Ma’am, I—”
“Keep quiet,” she snapped, cutting him off sharply. “You do not speak when I am talking.”
The room fell silent again. Afia’s chest tightened, but she refused to step back.
“Mom,” she said firmly, “love is not about money. I chose him because of who he is.”
Mami Joa turned toward her slowly. “You chose him because you are foolish. This man has nothing—no status, no wealth, no future.”
Boma’s hands clenched slightly, but he kept his composure. He stepped forward again, this time with more determination.
“With respect,” he said calmly, “I may not have wealth today, but I am working hard, and I promise you I will take care of Afia.”
Mami Joa looked at him with open disgust. “You take care of her? You are a filthy man trying to rise above your level.”
Afia moved closer to Boma. “Enough, Mom. You don’t know him.”
“I know enough,” Mami Joa replied sharply, “and I will never allow this marriage.”
Boma looked directly at her, his voice steady but firm. “There is no way I am going to leave Afia. I love her, and I will stand by her.”
That statement only fueled Mami Joa’s anger.
“You are bold for a man with nothing,” she said, “but let me make it clear. This relationship will not stand under my roof.”
Afia felt her heart pounding, but she held Boma’s hand tightly. “Then I will stand with him,” she said quietly.
For the first time, Mami Joa looked at her daughter with disbelief. “You would choose this man over me?” she asked.
Afia did not hesitate. “I am choosing my future.”
The words hung heavily in the air. Mami Joa turned away from them both, her voice cold and final.
“If you walk this path, do not expect my support.”