CHAPTER 7 — THE RETURN OF THE WOLF
Two years later, Abeni was engaged to Gelani, thriving in her engineering career, living peacefully.
Until she saw Zola again.
Not in a luxury store.
Not in a hotel lobby.
But bagging groceries.
Zola looked worn.
Fragile.
Defeated.
She stared at Abeni’s ring and whispered:
“Are you happy?”
“Yes,” Abeni said truthfully.
“Good,” Zola breathed, voice cracking. “Because I ruined everything. My son won’t speak to me. I live with my sister. I—”
Abeni lifted a hand.
“I won’t forget what you did. But I won’t hate you either. Life already did the punishing.”
Zola cried—quietly, brokenly.
Abeni walked away.
Some victories need no applause.
