The cool air inside the apartment wrapped around them like a gentle embrace. For Stephanie, it was a relief after the stifling heat outside. As the door clicked shut, Victoria let out a long, dramatic sigh and tossed her small shoulder bag onto the nearest chair.
"Damn, it's like a sauna out there," she muttered, fanning herself with one hand. Her gaze swept over the living room—neat, tastefully arranged, with a faint scent of citrus in the air. Her brows rose. "Wow… this place is nice. You've really upgraded, Steph," she added with a teasing smile.
Stephanie returned a faint smile, pride glimmering in her eyes for just a moment. "Yeah… it's not mine. It belongs to someone I met."
Victoria froze mid-step and turned sharply toward her. "Wait—don't tell me you're living with a man now?"
Stephanie's answer came slower than usual. "It's not like that. I'm just… staying here."
Victoria's eyebrow arched as she sat down deliberately, her voice lowering. "Steph, you've got to talk to me. I left for two weeks, and now I come back to find you in some stranger's apartment? Who is he?"
"Calm down. You just got here." Stephanie placed a chilled drink in her friend's hand—a simple olive-green glass cup beading with condensation.
She drifted toward the window, parting the curtain slightly. The city outside shimmered under the late-afternoon sun, its chaos muted from this height. When she turned back, her voice was softer, almost resigned.
"His name is Samuel. I met him outside a barbershop three days ago. A lot happened after you left. Remember when you told me to let Peace know about the pregnancy? Well… I told her. You won't believe what she did."
Victoria's expression tightened, but she let Stephanie speak.
"She accused me of trying to ruin her brother's life. Said I'd been sleeping around. Before I could explain, James came out. They both started hitting me. You know how that area is, Vic. People gathered, and I swear—if I hadn't run, they would've killed me."
Victoria shook her head slowly, bitterness flickering in her tone. "And I told you to go home… because I know Peace is poison. James even more so. I don't know how you lived under the same roof with them for that long."
"That day, I ran and didn't look back. I didn't have money, didn't know where to go. By evening I was starving. I started asking strangers for help. That's when I met Samuel. He bought me food, took me to a friend's place where I could sleep for the night. The next day, he brought me here. Since then, he's been kind to me."
Victoria's shoulders softened. "So this is what you've been going through… And you didn't even call me? Steph, at least I could've sent you money. This Samuel guy—what's his angle? Guys don't usually do all this for nothing."
"He's not like that," Stephanie insisted. "Yes, he and his friend told me to go home. But I can't. Not yet. I begged him to let me stay for a while."
Stephanie sat opposite her, fingers lacing tightly together.
"I know it sounds reckless. None of this was planned. But Vic… he didn't ask questions. Didn't judge me. Just helped."
Victoria studied her closely. "And he doesn't want anything?"
Stephanie's gaze dipped, her cheeks warming. "We… slept together."
The air seemed to thicken between them.
"I didn't mean for it to happen," Stephanie said quickly. "Last night, I was lonely… scared. I went to his room. It wasn't forced, and I don't regret it—but I don't know what it means. I don't think he does either."
Victoria leaned forward, her voice edged with concern. "Are you sure you're safe here?"
"I've never felt safer," Stephanie answered without hesitation. "He's not like the others. He's nothing like… him."
Victoria's jaw tightened at the unspoken name. "That bastard's still walking free like nothing happened."
"They said they didn't want the drama," Stephanie muttered bitterly. "And I can't go home. If my parents find out I'm pregnant…" Her voice cracked, the words falling apart.
Victoria reached across the table and took her hand. "You did what you had to do. I'm not judging. I'm just worried. You've always been strong, Steph, but that doesn't mean you have to go through this alone. This Samuel guy… I want to meet him."
Stephanie's eyes shimmered. "I'm tired, Vic. Tired of pretending I'm fine. Tired of being afraid. For once, I just want to breathe."
Victoria stood and wrapped her in a hug. Stephanie melted into it, shoulders trembling.
"Then breathe," Victoria whispered. "I've got you."
---
Back at the pizza shop, Samuel stood by the oven, the heat rolling over him in waves. The place buzzed with life—pans clattering, orders shouted, laughter bouncing off tiled walls—but his mind drifted, again and again, to the apartment. To Stephanie.
He hadn't meant for the night to happen. Vulnerability had pulled them together, not intention. Now, his thoughts were tangled—a mix of warmth, confusion, and a strange sense of responsibility.
"Boss, you good?" Simon's voice broke through his thoughts.
Samuel blinked. "Yeah. Just thinking."
"Must be some heavy thinking," Simon chuckled. "You've folded that pizza box three times."
Samuel smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Guess so."
By evening, the rush had died down. Samuel glanced at the clock, made his decision. "I'm heading out. Call me if anything comes up."
Simon gave him a knowing grin. "Tell Stephanie I said hi."
---
The apartment door unlocked with a soft click. Stephanie straightened immediately. Victoria stood nearby, arms crossed.
Samuel stepped in, scanning the space before his gaze landed on Victoria. He carried no arrogance, just a quiet self-assurance. Tired eyes, but a genuine warmth when they met Stephanie's.
"You must be Victoria," he said, extending his hand.
Victoria took it, firm and steady. "You're Samuel. I've heard a lot about you."
"I hope the good parts," he said lightly, though his eyes searched hers.
"Mostly."
"I'm glad you came. Stephanie needs someone close around. And I needed to meet the person she trusts most."
Stephanie glanced between them, feeling the tension ease just a little. "We had a good talk today."
"I'm glad to hear that," Samuel said.
That night, instead of cooking, Samuel ordered takeout. They ate together around the dining table, laughter breaking through here and there. Samuel didn't press for details, Victoria didn't interrogate. But beneath the politeness, questions lingered—unspoken, waiting for the right moment.