Doyin sat across from Angel, her friend, at a quaint fast food in Port Harcourt. Her eyes were heavy with worry, her heart burdened by the weight of her troubled relationship. Angel listened intently, her warm gaze offering comfort.
“It’s just so hard, Angel,” Doyin sighed, “He never admits when he’s wrong, and his anger scares me.”
Angel leaned forward, “It’s time to prioritize your safety and emotional well-being, my dear. Now, tell me, what makes you feel so attached to him?”
Doyin hesitated, then begin, “He’s invested so much in me. He’s been giving me a monthly allowance for over a year now. He’s been supporting my dreams and has introduced me to his family. I feel like I owe him.”
Angel nodded, “I understand, but love should never come with such conditions. Let me ask you this – do you see a future with him, despite these red flags?”
Doyin looked pensive, “I used to, but now I’m scared of what the future might hold. It’s hard to be with someone who will not apologize when it’s clear he’s wrong. It gets me crazy to see that he knows he’s wrong, but doesn’t think it necessary to say, ‘I’m sorry’.”
Angel smiled gently, “You’re not alone in this, my dear. So many women endure this from the men they love. But, can you honestly do the same?”
Over the weeks that followed, Angel encouraged Doyin to explore her own desires and passions, independent of her boyfriend, Frodd. Through their conversations, Doyin realized that she had lost herself in the relationship, and her happiness had become dependent on Frodd’s approval.
One afternoon, as Doyin was browsing through a local market with Angel, she spotted a beautiful, colourful kite. She remembered how much she loved flying kites as a child, and Angel encouraged her to buy it. With the kite in hand, they made their way to a nearby park.
“Go on, fly it,” Angel urged, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Doyin hesitated but gave in to the joy of the moment. As she released the kite into the sky, a sense of liberation washed over her. The kite soared high, as if taking all her worries with it.
“You see,” Angel grinned, “Sometimes, breaking free is as simple as letting go of the strings that tie you down.”
As days turned into weeks, Doyin’s confidence grew, and she decided it was time to have an honest conversation with Frodd. She invited him to meet at their favorite spot, a place where they had shared many cherished memories.
“So, what’s on your mind?” Frodd asked casually, urging her to end the suspense already.
Doyin took a deep breath, “I can’t continue like this, Frodd. Our relationship has really run low on fuel, and doesn’t feel right pushing it further anymore, not to mention how it’s beginning to drive me crazy.”
Frodd fumed. He’s face contorted with anger, “You want to leave me? After everything I’ve done for you?” Doyin kept her calm and held her ground. So, he went on, “Do you have an idea how much I’ve spent on you?” Frodd roared.
“I know you have spent a lot, and I appreciate it,” She replied calmly, “I shouldn’t pay you back with my life, Frodd. Love should never come with conditions or control.”
Doyin suddenly realized that she had been afraid of Frodd’s reaction, but the more she spoke, the stronger she felt. Frodd’s anger didn’t hold the same power over her anymore. Perhaps it never really held power, maybe it was her fear that had power over her.
Days turned into weeks, and Doyin embraced her singledom. She focused on her passions, rekindled old friendships, and surrounded herself with positive energy. Angel’s wise counsel and unwavering support were a constant source of strength.
One day, as Doyin was leaving a dance class, she bumped into Mercy, an old friend from secondary school. Mercy invited her to a dance party that weekend. They laughed and reminisced about old times.
At the party, Doyin could not believe the laughter and joy that filled her heart. As she danced, lost in the rhythm of the music, she realized that the happiness she had been seeking was truly possible.
In the weeks that followed, Frodd didn’t hear from Doyin. It became clear to him that he had lost her. He thought that Doyin was simply acting up and would eventually come around, not believing it then that Doyin had stepped into the world, ready to embrace whatever life had in store for her.
The End
We hope you enjoyed reading “Happiness Within“. You can also check out “A Journey To Freedom,“ “Whispers of Yesterday“ and “Debt In My Heart“. Please leave us a reply in the comment section below. We would love to know what you think. Also, click on the Social Media buttons below to share this story with your family, friends and followers.
Read and compare the storylines in Love and Revenge series:
- The Price of Deception
- Ill-fated Overseas Trip
- Lost in Regrets
- A Twist of Fate
- Love’s Unforgiving Circle
- Unforgiving Hearts
- The Betrayal’s Toll
- Love Lost and Found