The Chapter She Closed

Rays of light stretched across the sky. The cool morning air carried the fresh scent of dew-covered grass, while birds sang from the trees as if welcoming a new day. Slowly, the darkness disappeared, replaced by a golden glow.

Favour opened one eye and then the other. She gave a big smile as she stretched her arms and legs. Just then, her phone rang. It was her mum.

Hi, Mum. Good morning.

Good morning, my angel. Happy birthday to you

Thank you, Mum. I’m finally a big girl.

Yes, my angel

Mum was interrupted by a knock on the door, so she ended the call immediately.

Hello, Mummy?

There was no answer.

Favour dropped her phone and was about to go brush her teeth when her phone began to ring again.

It was Maxwell, her ex-boyfriend.

She refused to pick up the call. Maxwell called several times, but Favour ignored him.

She went to the bathroom, had a bath, got dressed, and prepared for work.

When she arrived at work, she was welcomed by a surprise birthday party. She became emotional. She felt loved and appreciated by her colleagues, and for a moment, she forgot about everything else.

At exactly 4 p.m., during closing hours, Maxwell was waiting for Favour outside the building.

The moment Favour saw him, her heart raced and began beating faster. She was no longer herself. It was as if she wanted to disappear, but it was already too late.

Maxwell approached her.

Happy birthday, my love. Please, can we talk?

Favour hesitated but eventually followed him to an eatery not far from her workplace.

Maxwell ordered some food and asked Favour what she wanted to eat, but she wasn't interested. She declined the offer.

Maxwell wasn't happy about it.

Why are you doing this? he asked.

Maxwell, what do you want from me?

I just want us to get back together.

Get back together? she asked, already getting angry.

After all you did? After everything you made me go through? Do you know how hurt I was? Do you even have an idea of how I survived after what you did to me?

Tears rolled down Favour’s cheeks.

A Few Years Earlier

Favour and Maxwell were best of friends. They shared almost everything with each other. Aside from romance, they were so close that they often ate at each other’s houses and spent a lot of time together.

One day, Favour called Maxwell and told him about a business idea she had in mind.

Maxwell loved the idea. Because his parents were wealthy, he was able to provide the funds needed to start the business.

They started the business together, and within a year, it had become a successful brand with thousands of followers and numerous business deals.

Both Favour and Maxwell shared the praise. The brand continued to grow stronger and more successful.

One particular night, they were having a small dinner when Maxwell called Favour aside.

There’s something on my mind, he said.

Favour looked at him curiously.

Maxwell took a deep breath and popped the question.

Please, can we be more than business partners? I mean, I want you to be my woman. Please, don’t say no.

Favour was speechless.

I need to go home and rest, she finally said.

That night, Favour couldn't sleep. She thought carefully about Maxwell's proposal. They had come a long way, and she believed a relationship between them could work.

Eventually, she picked up her phone and sent him a message.

Yes. Let’s begin the journey of forever.

Maxwell was extremely happy when he received the message.

For a while, everything seemed perfect.

Then, eight months later, Favour travelled to Europe on a business trip.

Maxwell stayed behind to continue managing the business.

One day, he met a woman who eventually captured his attention. He fell for her, and she began influencing his decisions.

She convinced Maxwell to stop collaborating with Favour.

Her demands became even stronger when she told him she was pregnant.

Fearful of public embarrassment and the consequences of the situation, Maxwell decided to cut ties with Favour.

Two months later, Favour returned from Europe.

She headed to Maxwell’s house, excited to see the man she loved.

But the moment she entered the living room, her happiness disappeared.

A pregnant woman was sitting there.

Favour froze.

What is happening here? she asked.

Maxwell came into the living room and saw her standing there.

He looked away.

I’m sorry, Favour, he said. I can’t continue with you anymore. She is carrying my child.

Favour stared at him in disbelief.

Maxwell continued.

We can no longer be partners either. Besides, I was the one who funded the business.

Favour couldn't believe what she was hearing.

She left the house speechless, heartbroken, and completely weak.

Back to the Eatery

Favour wiped her tears.

So, after everything that happened, you want us to continue as if nothing happened?

Maxwell lowered his head.

I’ve lost a lot, he said. I’ve lost several business partners. I’ve lost deals, and now I’m stranded. I need you, Favour. I want us to rebuild everything.”

Favour stared at him quietly.

Then she shook her head.

Apparently, The woman he had left Favour for had never been pregnant with his child. The pregnancy belonged to another man.

But by the time Maxwell discovered the truth, everything had already changed.

Favour had moved on.

She had rebuilt her life without him.

The business, the relationship, the memories they were all chapters of her past she already closed.

Some people can hurt you so deeply that forgiveness doesn't mean allowing them back into your life.