Chapter 30: Storm of Emotions

The graduation hall glimmered with soft lights that danced off the glass chandeliers. Music filled the air, warm laughter echoed around, and the stage shimmered with vibrant fabrics as the graduating students of the Fashion Academy displayed their final works.

Susan stood backstage, her heart fluttering with excitement and nerves. She adjusted the fitted gown she made herself, a stunning blend of elegance and African craft ,golden patterns dancing across the deep wine fabric. It wasn’t just a dress, it was her story stitched in color and courage.

Richard sat quietly among the crowd, his presence unnoticed. He had flown in that morning just to attend, choosing not to tell her. He wanted to see the look on her face when she received her certificate, wanted to witness the woman she had become.

When Susan finally stepped onto the runway, the crowd gasped in admiration. Richard froze in his seat. She was radiant, walking with grace and confidence, her head held high. Every step she took told the story of transformation, from a woman once lost, to one now clothed in purpose. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.

She didn’t see him; she was too focused, her smile steady, her heart racing with pride. Richard sat there, watching her, his chest tightening with emotions he couldn’t put into words.

After the show, during refreshments, Susan was surrounded by classmates and well-wishers. She laughed and chatted, unaware of the tall figure walking slowly toward her through the crowd. Then, a familiar voice said softly behind her,

“You were incredible, Susan.”

She turned — and froze.

“Richard?” Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You came?” He smiled, his usual calm spreading warmth through his face.

Before she could think, she threw her arms around him. It was instinctive, pure joy and surprise wrapped into one. The scent of his cologne, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, everything felt familiar, like her dreams.

Richard stiffened for a second, unsure how to react. His body wanted to respond, his hands ached to hold her close, but his mind screamed restraint. He clenched his fists lightly by her back, fighting the pull. For a fleeting second, the world went still.

Then reality returned.

Susan blinked and slowly withdrew, embarrassed but also strangely unwilling to let go. She looked up at him nervously, searching his face for signs of anger. He only smiled, eyes soft, though his heart was beating far too fast.

To break the silence, she said quickly, “My mom couldn’t make it... she’s not feeling too well.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Richard said gently, pretending not to notice her flustered tone. He reached behind him and handed her a small bouquet of white lilies wrapped in gold paper.

“Congratulations, graduate,” he said with a faint grin.

Susan looked at the flowers, then at him, her eyes shimmering. She took them with both hands, her voice quiet, “Thank you... for everything.”

They stood there for a moment, surrounded by laughter and chatter, yet caught in their own still world, a quiet storm of emotions neither of them dared to name.

The night sky over Abuja was calm, painted with soft stars that shimmered above the glowing streets. The event hall had quieted down, and laughter from the last few guests drifted faintly into the evening air. The once-crowded venue now stood like a satisfied witness to the joy it had held.

Richard checked his wristwatch and exhaled lightly. “I should start heading back to my hotel,” he said. “My flight to Lagos is early tomorrow.”

Susan, still holding the bouquet of lilies he had given her, looked up quickly. “I’ll walk you out,” she said. “You came all the way here for me, the least I can do is see you off.”

He tried to object, but her determination left him no choice.

They walked side by side out of the compound, their footsteps soft against the pavement. The cool Abuja night brushed against their faces, filling the air between them with quiet tension. Streetlights glowed faintly, casting long shadows that stretched behind them.

Neither of them spoke at first, it was as though words might break the fragile calm that had settled between them. Richard kept his hands in his pockets, his mind restless, while Susan occasionally glanced at him from the corner of her eyes.

Finally, she spoke. “Thank you, Richard,” she said softly. “For everything. You didn’t just support me... you made me believe I could start over. You helped me see a better version of myself.”

Richard stopped for a moment, turning slightly to look at her. His eyes were gentle, his voice steady. “Susan,” he said, “you don’t owe me any thanks. It’s God who deserves the glory. I was only... a vessel.”

Susan smiled faintly, her voice carrying warmth. “Then thank you for allowing yourself to be that vessel,” she said.

Richard’s lips curved into a quiet smile, one that reached his eyes. “If that’s how you see it, then... you’re welcome.”

They reached the spot where his cab was waiting. A soft breeze passed between them, carrying the scent of her perfume and the faint fragrance of the lilies she held. For a moment, they just stood there, neither ready to say goodbye.

“Take care of yourself,” Richard finally said, opening the car door. “And don’t forget to send me pictures from your first collection.”

“I won’t,” Susan replied, her voice a little lower than before.

He nodded, gave her one last look, then got into the cab. As the car drove off, Susan stood still, watching the red taillights disappear into the night.

A smile crept across her face, small at first, then brighter. She looked down at the flowers in her hands, then hugged them gently against her chest.

“I didn’t realize he was this handsome,” she whispered to herself, giggling softly. “And hot too.”

She turned back toward the hall, her heart light, her steps slower, as though she wanted to hold on to the moment a little longer. The night air felt different now, warm, hopeful, alive.