The following weeks were nothing short of magical for Destiny. Her featured story continued to rise in popularity, gathering thousands of reads and heartwarming comments. Readers praised her strength and honesty, and her inbox overflowed with messages from people who said her writing gave them hope.
Every morning now felt brighter. Destiny would wake up early, make breakfast for her ex-in-laws, and then rush to her desk, eager to write. Her ex-in-laws often watched her with quiet admiration, proud of the woman she was becoming.
"You've found your light again, my dear," her ex-mother-in-law said one afternoon as she passed Destiny a cup of tea.
"And you've both been a big part of that light," Destiny replied with a grateful smile.
Destiny's joy was contagious her laughter filled the house, her confidence bloomed, and even her walk carried new grace.
One evening, Destiny received a message from Ethan that made her heart skip.
"Destiny, our platform is organizing a writers' conference next month in Lagos. They've invited top authors and editors. I'll be attending, and, I'd really love to finally meet you in person."
Her fingers trembled slightly as she read the message. Meet him? In person? A rush of excitement and nervousness filled her chest.
She typed back:
"Wow, I didn't even know about the conference. I'd love to come, but I'm not sure yet. I've never attended one before."
Within seconds, he replied:
"You should. You deserve to be there. It's time the world meets the woman behind those beautiful stories."
Destiny sat back, her heart fluttering. His words lingered in her mind long after the chat ended.
That night, as Destiny lay in bed, she couldn't sleep. She placed her hand gently on her belly and whispered softly,
"Do you think Mommy should go, little one?"
The baby kicked gently, and Destiny smiled. Maybe that was her answer.
The next morning, she told her ex-in-laws about the upcoming conference. Her ex-father-in-law beamed with pride.
"You must go, Destiny. This is a big opportunity. You've worked hard for this."
Her ex-mother-in-law nodded in agreement.
"We'll handle things here. You focus on shining out there, my dear."
Destiny felt tears prick her eyes. Their unwavering support meant everything.
Over the next few weeks, she began preparing for the trip. She bought a simple but elegant dress, styled her hair, and packed her laptop and notes. For the first time in a long while, Destiny looked in the mirror and saw a woman reborn strong, confident, and ready to take on the world.
The morning of the conference arrived. Destiny boarded the bus to Lagos, her heart pounding with excitement. As she looked out the window, memories of her painful past flashed before her the heartbreak, the tears, the nights of doubt.
But now, she smiled.
Those tears had watered the roots of her strength.
The conference hall was buzzing with energy when she arrived. Authors, editors, and aspiring writers filled the room. Destiny walked in, clutching her small bag, trying to calm her racing heart.
Then, she heard a familiar voice.
"Destiny?"
She turned and there he was. Ethan.
He was exactly how she had imagined tall, warm smile, kind eyes that seemed to understand her even without words.
For a moment, they just stood there, smiling at each other like they'd known each other for years.
"It's really you," he said softly. "You're even more inspiring in person."
Destiny laughed shyly.
"And you're real," she teased. "I was beginning to think you were just a voice behind a screen."
They both laughed, and just like that, the tension melted away.
Throughout the day, they attended workshops, shared ideas, and talked endlessly. Ethan introduced her to other writers and even to a few publishers who were impressed by her story's success.
When the conference ended, Ethan walked her outside to where she waited for a cab. The evening air was cool, and the city lights glowed softly around them.
"I'm really proud of you, Destiny," he said gently. "You've turned your pain into power. That's something special."
Destiny smiled, her heart full.
"Thank you, Ethan. You've been such a blessing your words kept me going when I wanted to give up."
For a moment, they just stood there, the silence between them soft and comfortable.
"I hope this is just the beginning," Ethan said, his voice low.
"I think it is," Destiny replied, smiling.
As Destiny rode back to her hotel, she looked out at the city lights flickering through the window and whispered to herself,
"The winds of change brought me here, and I'm ready for whatever comes next."
For the first time in a long time, Destiny felt something she hadn't felt in years not just hope, but love gently finding its way back into her heart.