Benjamin sat alone in the penthouse lounge at the Royal Sunset Hotel, the golden hues of the evening sun casting long shadows on the floor-to-ceiling windows. He leaned back in the deep armchair, his fingers interlocked across his stomach, and his eyes fixated on nothing in particular.
Thoughts wrestled in his mind, swirling like a quiet storm he couldn't shake off.
"I was this close," he muttered to himself. "I don't know how my fiancée, who overthinks everything, would have taken it if I slipped. Thank God for the patience and perseverance He gave me."
He took a deep breath and rubbed his temple. The day had been long and emotionally draining. He wasn't usually this reflective, but the evening carried a weight he couldn't ignore.
Just then, the doorbell chimed. Evans had arrived.
Benjamin walked over and opened the door. "Welcome, bro," he said, forcing a smile.
"Evening, man. You good?" Evans asked as he stepped in, instantly sensing something off in his friend's demeanor.
They settled into the lounge with cups of steaming ginger tea and snacks. The aroma filled the air, but the usual spark in Benjamin's eyes was missing.
"What's on your heart, man?" Evans asked after a long silence, setting his cup down on the glass coffee table. "You're clearly not yourself today."
Benjamin sighed. "Man, I love that girl -Megyn - so much. I want to marry her like yesterday. But I've been battling with this storm inside me. I'm trying to do everything right, but sometimes I wonder how long I can keep holding on."
Evans smirked, leaning back in his seat. "You had her here last night, alone with you. What didn't you do?" he asked playfully. "Honestly, I don't know how you've managed to stay so composed with such a beautiful woman—inside and out."
Benjamin gave a half-hearted chuckle. "You haven't changed one bit, have you?" He shook his head. "That's my princess you're referring to."
"I know, I know," Evans said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Don't get me wrong. I know how long it took for you to trust me again. I'd never want to ruin that. In fact..." he hesitated, then added, "I've made a vow myself - not to touch Cindy that way. Not until we fully trust each other and are preparing to get married."
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "At least you're being honest."
Evans nodded solemnly. "I mean it. I've never felt this way before. Cindy is different. She's not like the other girls I've messed up with in the past...And I too, am different, life has given me valuable lessons"
He began talking about Cindy—how her smile melted his heart, how her laughter had begun to heal parts of him he didn't know were broken. He told Benjamin how glad he was that she was slowly recovering from the wounds of her past, including the heartbreak that had once landed her in the hospital.
"I just want to protect her," Evans said quietly. "She deserves a love that doesn't leave scars."
There was a silence between them for a moment. Then Benjamin leaned forward, his tone changing. "But man, I have to ask—what was that at the gala night? The way you confronted that doctor Jerry—your so-called 'worthy opponent'—left us all stunned."
Evans' expression hardened.
"He's the one who pushed my sister to her death," he said quietly.
Evans exhaled deeply and nodded. "I thought you knew. Yes, it was Jerry Ocharo. He got her pregnant. He pressured her into aborting. The abortion cost her life. And get this - he had another girlfriend at the same time, and she was pregnant too. But she refused to abort. She gave birth to a healthy boy. He's five years old now. She is the same lady who accompanied him to the gala."
Benjamin clenched his jaw. "So he was one of your crew back then—your little betting squad?"
Evans nodded, looking ashamed. "Yeah. We were reckless. But things have changed. I've changed."
Benjamin's gaze sharpened. "Then tell me—Cindy isn't part of some silent bet, is she? A revenge move to prove a point to Jerry?"
"No!" Evans said firmly. "I would never do that to her. Cindy's not a game. I love her. She's helping me become a better man. And I've told her we'll follow your example. No shortcuts."
Benjamin studied him for a moment. Then he smiled faintly. "Good. Because if something beautiful happened between you two, it should be born out of genuine love—not ego."
Evans smiled. "You know, I admire what you and Megyn have. It's real. And I want that too."
Benjamin didn't say anything, but he felt the quiet affirmation of his heart. He knew he wasn't perfect, but he also knew he was being led by a greater power.
Shortly after, Evans excused himself. Benjamin saw him off, then made his way to his parents' home. It had been a long day, but something in him wanted the comfort of family.
When he arrived, his twin sisters Betty and Becky were still awake. They came running to him, their faces lighting up with joy.
"Benjie!" they chorused.
He laughed and crouched down to hug them. "I have something for you," he said, pulling out three remote-controlled cars. "One for you, one for you—and this one is mine. Let's race!"
The children squealed with excitement as they headed to the playroom. For the next hour, they zoomed the cars around the carpeted floor, laughing, cheering, and shouting playful instructions. Benjamin felt the heaviness in his chest begin to lift.
"Go, Becky! Go, Betty! You girls are pros already!" he encouraged.
Their mother, Mrs. Hawi, stood at the doorway, quietly watching the scene. A soft smile formed on her face, and she silently walked back to the living room, her heart full.
Later, when the girls grew tired and lay down on his lap, Benjamin gently scooped them up one by one and carried them to their beds in the adjoining room. He tucked them in with a kiss on each forehead.
Then he made his way to the living room. His mother was watching a wedding show on TV.
"Good evening, Mum," he greeted her warmly.
"Good evening, my son," she replied with a radiant smile. "Did you eat something?"
"No, but I'm fine. I'll just grab a glass of fresh passion juice."
His mother always had a variety of fresh juices in the fridge—her signature touch. With the orchard full of ripe passion fruits, there was never a shortage.
Benjamin poured himself a tall glass and sat beside her. He took a few sips, then turned to her.
"Mum, there's something I'd like you to help me with."
"You know I'm always here for you. Just tell me," she replied.
"I'd really appreciate it if we could proceed with the family visits to Megyn's home, as you had planned. Even starting today."
Mrs. Hawi nodded. "Yes, we had already reached out to her family. They said the final step is for you and your fiancée to confirm. You two need to set the date - don't delay more than two weeks."
Benjamin stood up, energized by her words. "We'll set the date right away."
"Son," she called after him, "I won't rest until Megyn is home with you."
He smiled. "Thanks, Mum. Goodnight - and please wish Dad goodnight when he returns."
Tired but at peace, Benjamin headed to his room. He changed into his pajamas and lay in bed.
Picking up his phone, he typed a short message:
"Gazelle, surely distance makes the heart grow fonder. I miss you big time. Let me know when you're ready to talk."
He placed the phone on the nightstand, turned off the light, and within minutes, sleep gently overtook him.