The next two days happened in a complete blur. One minute, I was rushing with Adrian through the VIP section of Lagos' biggest hospital. The next, he disappeared inside a room, staying there for what felt like hours while doctors came and went, whispering things I barely understood—cancer, surgery, complications, US. From the frown lines building on Adrian's face by the second, I could tell this was serious. And there I was, completely useless. I couldn't do anything to help, so I silently brought my hands together and prayed, hoping his grandfather would be okay. Later, Adrian told the driver to drop me home. He still had to be at the hospital, keeping watch. By now, it was close to morning, and I could barely keep my eyes open. I took a short nap, then got ready to send food to the hospital—because I knew Adrian hadn't eaten properly in days. I called him, had his driver pick it up, and stayed home. I didn't want him worrying about me on top of everything else. Then, almost out of nowhere, Adrian showed up at my doorstep. He looked exhausted—like someone had drained him of sleep and replaced it with stress. But as soon as he pulled me into a warm hug, I felt a little of the tension melt away. "Baby," he whispered, pressing his face into my hair, "I'm going to have to travel for a while. I'm taking Grandpa to the US for emergency surgery. I'll probably be gone for a month." I nodded, trying to sound calm. "Mm... take care," I said, pressing a gentle kiss to his chest through his shirt. "Call me if there's anything I can do, okay?" He leaned down for one last bittersweet kiss, and then he was gone. Leaving me feeling cold, worried, and suddenly very lonely. One month turned into four, really quickly. We tried video calls, which helped... a little. Seeing him through a tiny screen wasn't the same as holding him, but it was better than nothing. And honestly, I was fine with it—until the day I ran into someone at the supermarket. Adrian's cousin. The one I met at the gala, the one who gave me the nasty look I still couldn't forget. She smirked when she saw me. "Well, if it isn't Amara. Adrian's girlfriend." I plastered on a calm, polite smile. "Oh, hi. How have you been?" "Oh, I'm fine," she said, her smile widening like she had a secret. "I'm even better now that Adrian is back with Sandra." My heart stopped. The same Adrian I'd just video-called? Surely not. My mind scrambled as I tried to recall everything I'd heard. "Oh... you mean her?" I asked cautiously. "Yes, yes. Adrian mentioned her in passing the last time. Don't worry, sis. Nothing to stress over." I clutched my bread, practically dropped it, and ran home. My fingers trembled as I tried calling Adrian. Once. Twice. Three times. Four times. No answer. I couldn't help but laugh nervously at my own panic. I opened my closet and started tossing clothes into my luggage like a maniac. Sophia appeared at the door, looking horrified. "Girl, what are you doing?! Where are you going?!" "I'm traveling," I said simply, still throwing clothes. "To... where?" she asked, eyes wide. "The US," I said. "But...but..." she sputtered. "Adrian is outside." I froze mid-motion. "Outside... where?" "At our front door," she said. I shrieked. "Well, why didn't you say so earlier??!!" I bolted out of my room, and there he was. My man. My heart. Looking ridiculously perfect, as always. I didn't think twice. I jumped into his arms like a greedy little monkey climbing a tree, wrapping around him like an octopus. It felt like coming home. Four months of restlessness, longing, and worry drained away in that instant. Adrian held me tight. I didn't mind. I clung to him, breathing him in. "My baby," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead, my nose, and then finally, my lips. Yes. Home.
