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Odi: I met Mercy for the first time in 2008 on a flight from France. We both flew Business Class and I asked for her number but she refused. She was very down-to-earth even as a celebrity. I know how a lot of them behave but she is different. Being very focused and a go-getter, I did everything I could just to have her including her number after I set my eyes on her.

Odi: Yes, it was. I realised in no time that she is homely and everyone who comes in contact with her just loves her.

Mercy: During a conversation, he suggested that we take our relationship to the next level. While we were dating, I knew we would get married because he became a part of my life and we were very passionate about each other. There was a day we attended a wedding and he said, ‘I think our wedding cake should have a tint of this colour.’

Mercy: I met his parents on our third date and his mum liked me— she is a fan of my movies.

Odi: Yes I was. As a matter of fact, she was a star when I met her but not as big as she is right now. I have decided to remain on the quiet side and watch her excel in her career and I am extremely proud of her.

Mercy: He wasn’t comfortable with the romantic scenes. I stopped taking up such roles in 2009 when I realised we were getting serious and headed for marriage. I was so in love with him that I started adjusting my lifestyle and personality to suit him. He is enlightened and well-travelled. He understands the demands of my job and has no problems with my career. He simply gives me space to fly.

Mercy: I learnt how to speak his language, Ishan, in less than a year. It wasn’t difficult for me because I was crazy about him. I bought CDS and Ishan literature and my husband also spoke the language to me whether I understood or not. I also wanted to be part of the discussions as well. It didn’t take me up to five months and I already knew the basics before we wedded. Also, I cut down on my nude dresses. He made me understand that with age, you have to let go of certain things because life is a phase.

Odi: No. That is because I don’t really have time to watch Nollywood movies. I would rather watch the news and a little bit of soccer whenever my busy schedule permits me.

Odi: We crack a lot of jokes and play together because she is my best friend. I confide in her always and she is also supportive of me as well. We go to quiet places together and also attend family engagements. With the birth of our kids, I haven’t loved her any less; in fact I call her my daughter.

Mercy: It is hard to choose because Odi is the human definition of perfection, I can’t explain it. He completes and makes me a better person in all ramifications. I might have made a lot of errors if I hadn’t met him—I see some of my old pictures and cannot believe I dressed skimpily. You may think you are living the career but you are making errors. Our daughter, Purity, will grow up someday and see those things and I will have a lot of explanations to make.

Odi: Absolutely nothing. She does everything I like and that has kept us strong.

Odi: My wife has a heart of gold—she is kind and pure. She is without blame or blemish. I decided to name her after the qualities I see in her mum.

Odi: We hardly disagree but since we wedded, I don’t think we have had any reason to invite a third party. We play a lot and handle issues maturely.

Mercy: He is concerned about the welfare of the family and has been like that from the outset of our relationship. While we were dating, he would give me money to make my hair and buy make-up irrespective of the fact that I also earn my own money. He does things that every husband should do for his wife. It was his idea. I am the sole signatory but my money is not in the account.

Mercy: A lot of people asked me this question when I was getting married but at that point in my life, there was nothing too big to let go, even now. I am willing to let go of everything to be with him and be happy. I am not in competition with anybody. I want to be married, I want to be with a man, just the way God has asked it be. I don’t want to take his role as a helper. He is an introvert and can stay at home all day when he isn’t working but I am the extrovert and we complement each other perfectly.

Odi: It was quite unfortunate. We thank God that we are happy and everything is well. Some people always say that our marriage will not last. Truth is, our love is built on the solid rock of Christ and based on that, we will keep waxing stronger.

Mercy: Yes, it did and I did not lose any friends because I never really had any. I got to understand the mindset of people who believe it is hard for you to be happy for someone when you don’t have what they have. They criticise what you have, yet they pray everyday for it. It taught me to always think of myself first because people will always have opinions.

Mercy: Patience and it has changed everything about me— this is a brand new me. It is possible that my husband attends a party and my movie is being shown. I have to do things that represent him well at all times. Ever since I had my daughter, I learned to appreciate other children and humanity the more. My husband and children are top on my priority list at the moment and acting is secondary. I would let go of everything for them.

Mercy: I don’t have friends at all and Odi is my best friend. As a policy, I never lie to my husband that is why I can’t hide anything from him. We have acquaintances but no close friends.

Mercy: Never! Moreso, I have absolute trust in him.

Odi: Love means Mercy. We plan to have a quiet outing and take my family out to dinner. If I have any reason to love, then I must love her over and again in my lifetime.