Valentine’s season came quietly this time. It was as if everyone stopped pretending it still mattered as much as it used to or maybe it was just me. 

Although, Simi. was true to her word, she had stepped away from George completely, but that didn’t mean she had changed. If anything, she had only redirected her chaos. Now, her attention had shifted to Olamide.

One time, I had heard Veronica and Wonuola warned her to stop interfering in people’s relationships but Simi never listened. If anything, they only made her more determined.

And with Valentine’s Day approaching, I became scared and I didn’t know why but I was determined to push the fear away and face my boyfriend.

“What will you get me for Valentine’s?” I asked George softly.

We were seated in the SS3 classroom, side by side. My voice came out almost like a whisper.

He shrugged without even looking at me.

“I don’t know. I haven’t thought about anything. Shay na must to give gifts on Valentine’s Day?”

His tone was careless and dismissive.

Then John responded. “I no know why una dey buy gift o,” and George nodded in agreement.

Everything inside me dropped, like a glass shattering without sound. I forced myself not to let my disappointment show on my face. But I couldn’t stay beside him, again.

So I stood up and left and guess what, he didn’t stop me or call my name or even follow me. It made me feel like I was the only one carrying the relationship and yet, every time I gathered the courage to end things, George would pull me back with apologies and promises just enough to make me stay again.

It was exhausting.

I hissed under my breath and headed toward the conference room, hoping to clear my head. But as I got closer, I heard familiar voices. Instinctively, I stood behind the door and eavesdropped.

“What did you say when I told you I was no longer interested?” Hameedat’s voice was firm, almost cold.

“I can’t remember,” Gideon replied casually. “But that’s not the point.”

I frowned, trying to understand what they were talking about but I didn’t.

“What is the point, Gideon? You already have a girlfriend,” she shot back, her voice rising as she moved closer to the door.

I quickly stepped back, my heart racing, afraid she might open it and find me there. But Gideon stopped her before she reached it.

“Oya, I’m sorry,” he said, his tone softer now. “But what you did pained me.”

I leaned slightly, just enough to see them through the small opening.

He moved closer to her. For a second, it looked like they were kissing but Hameedat pushed him away sharply.

“I meant it when I said we’re over,” she snapped. “Don’t think I’ll become your friend with benefits. I’m not that desperate.”

Her words cut through the air, making Gideon’s expression darkened instantly, and within seconds, the tension exploded into insults, both of them throwing words at each other like weapons.

I didn’t wait to hear more. So, I slipped away quietly, but part of me admired how easily she stood her ground, and drew her boundaries. I wondered what it would feel like to speak to George that way, to look him in the eye and refuse to accept anything less than respect. But I couldn’t, because unlike Hameedat, I still loved him and maybe that was my biggest weakness.

When school ended, I pulled out my phone and sent him a message.

4:32 PM

So, no Valentine’s gift?

I stared at the screen, waiting.

He had read it but chose not not reply. It made me want to cry but I swallowed it and typed again.

4:35 PM

Don’t worry. Do as you wish. I don’t have a Valentine’s gift for you too.

That was a lie, I had already gotten him something, but I refused to bring it the next day. If he didn’t care, then neither would I. 

I switched off my phone and packed my bag. Enough is Enough.

At this point, do you think Zara should finally walk away from George, or fight one last time for what they had?

Thank you for reading this chapter 💔