Chapter 9 : The end begins

Amaka stood frozen, her breath shallow, heart racing as Joel stared at her with a mixture of regret and something else she couldn't name.

Why now?

Why *him*, on *today* of all days?

She glanced at Caleb, whose kind eyes searched hers gently, silently asking if she was okay. There was no pressure, just understanding—and that alone made her ache. She had just started breathing again around men like him. Good men. Safe men.

She forced a breath and turned to Joel. "If you have something to say," she said, voice low but steady, "say it here."

Joel seemed caught off guard but nodded. "I—I just wanted to say I'm sorry. Truly. I messed up back then. I was immature and selfish. You didn't deserve how I treated you, Amaka."

Amaka blinked, her lashes fluttering like the apology had pushed wind against her soul. But she didn't crumble. Not this time.

"I cried for weeks," she said, her voice tight. "I begged for answers. I tried to convince myself you just needed space. But you knew what you were doing, Joel. You wanted out. And you didn't even care enough to explain why."

Joel looked down, ashamed. "I was scared of how deep it was getting. Scared I didn't measure up. So, I ran."

Amaka exhaled deeply. "And now you're here… why? Hoping to pick up the pieces?"

"No," Joel said quickly. "I just wanted you to know I regret everything. I still think about you."

The silence that followed felt like it stretched across time.

Caleb, still standing nearby, cleared his throat softly. "Amaka… if you need space—"

She turned to him quickly. "No. Please stay."

Caleb's brows lifted slightly, but he remained still, a pillar of calm beside her.

Amaka looked back at Joel, her voice calmer now. "I appreciate the apology. I really do. But you're part of my past. And I've spent too long dragging your ghost behind me."

She turned fully to Caleb, something steady blooming in her chest.

"This is Caleb," she said. "And for the first time in years, I feel like someone sees me. *All* of me."

Joel nodded slowly, giving a respectful step back. "I'm glad," he said simply. Then with a sad smile, he turned and walked away.

**

Caleb gently touched her elbow. "Are you okay?"

Amaka blinked back the burn behind her eyes. "Yeah… I think I am."

She reached for her glass again and downed the rest of the wine. Caleb chuckled softly.

"That bad?"

She laughed, genuinely this time. "Let's just say closure tastes a lot like merlot."

He offered her his hand again. "Want to go back to dancing?"

Amaka hesitated for a heartbeat—then slid her hand into his.

"Yes," she said. "But this time, let's make the dance count."

**

As they returned to the dance floor, Zara watched from her table, leaning gently into Kene's shoulder.

"Is that… Joel?" she asked.

Kene nodded slowly. "Yeah. Long story."

Zara grinned. "I have a feeling Amaka just got her long-awaited ending."

"Or her beginning," Kene whispered.

They clinked their champagne glasses gently and smiled.

**

Later that night, after laughter and goodbyes and countless photos, Caleb walked Amaka outside to where the cool air brushed her skin like a welcome breeze.

They stood beside her car, reluctant to part.

"I meant everything I said earlier," he told her, his voice softer now. "I'm not trying to rush you. I just want to be someone who adds to your life, not complicates it."

She stared at him, heart full, but cautious.

"I've been afraid to open that door again," she confessed.

He took a step closer. "Then let's stand at the door together, no rush. Just one day at a time."

Her lips curved.

"You're patient."

He smirked. "No. Just sure."

There was a beat of silence between them. Then slowly, Amaka rose on her toes and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

"I leave for the UK next week," she whispered.

"I know," he replied.

"Are you scared of distance?"

"Not when it's you."

Their eyes met in the moonlight, something solid and promising passing between them.

And just like that, the night became more than a celebration.

It became a beginning.

**

Inside the hall, Zara leaned on the balcony with Kene, watching the stars above.

"We did it," she whispered.

"We really did," he replied.

"Are you ready for forever?"

Kene turned to her, his hand brushing the ring on her finger. "Forever started the day you refused to let me walk away."

She smiled. "Then here's to forever."

And somewhere just beyond the chandeliers, under the stars and whispers of fate…

A new story had already begun.