A LOVE TO LAST

Four years had passed like a fleeting dream, yet the memories of a once-blossoming connection refused to fade. Lila had thrown herself into her studies in a foreign country, building a life she thought was independent of the past. Meanwhile, Ryan had climbed the corporate ladder, establishing himself in his career.

But amidst their achievements, an unspoken longing lingered. They had not spoken in years, both convinced that the other had moved on.

One fateful evening, Lila's father announced that they were moving back to Nigeria. She received the news with indifference, believing that Ryan was no longer a part of her story. He must be married by now, she told herself, refusing to let the thought linger.

Little did she know, Ryan had been fed a lie—a cruel deception orchestrated by two people who envied their connection. His so-called friend Oliver, who secretly harbored feelings for Lila, and Tessa, Lila's own best friend who longed for Ryan, worked together to sever the bond between them.

Oliver whispered poison into Ryan's ear. Lila has moved on. She's in love with someone else.

Tessa, on the other hand, planted seeds of doubt in Lila's mind. Ryan is engaged. He never really cared about you.

The weight of the lies crushed Ryan. He stopped going to work, locking himself away in his room, drowning in heartbreak. His mother found him sitting by the window, eyes hollow with sorrow.

"Why does this always happen to me?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

His mother sighed, sitting beside him. "Because you never say how you feel, Ryan. How do you expect love to stay when you never fight for it?"

Meanwhile, Lila was just as devastated. She cried into her pillow, believing the worst. But unlike Tessa, who fed her pain, her other best friend, Samantha, refused to let her wallow.

"Go to him, Lila. Ask him yourself. Don't let someone else decide your fate."

Summoning her courage, Lila decided to visit Ryan. But fate had one more cruel trick to play.

Tessa and Oliver had set a trap. Knowing Lila was coming, Tessa went to Ryan's house, pretending to comfort him. But when words didn't work, she resorted to something far worse—she pushed him onto the bed, trying to force herself on him.

At that moment, Lila walked in.

Her heart shattered. The man she had longed for, the one she had hoped to see again, was in another woman's arms.

Blinded by tears, she turned and ran.

Ryan pushed Tessa away, disgusted, and bolted after Lila. But she was already gone.

Tessa smirked in triumph.

Days passed, and Ryan spiraled deeper into despair. His mother, furious at what had happened, refused to console him this time.

But fate was not done with them yet.

Dylan, Ryan's best friend, and Samantha, Lila's true friend, devised a plan. They arranged a meeting, forcing the two to face each other once more.

Lila refused to speak at first, but Ryan, for the first time in his life, refused to let her walk away.

"Lila, I never wanted anyone but you. I was deceived. I should have fought for you. And now, I will."

With trembling hands, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring.

"I love you. I always have. Marry me."

Lila's breath hitched. Tears filled her eyes, but this time, they weren't from pain.

With a joyful cry, she leaped into his arms. "Yes! Yes, Ryan!"

As they embraced, the past melted away.

Meanwhile, Oliver and Tessa watched from afar, their bitter plans crumbling before them.

Love had won.

But the story was far from over.