The morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, brushing across Destiny's face. She blinked her eyes open, a small smile forming as memories of last night flooded back Ethan's visit, the warm food, his gentle voice at the door.
Her phone buzzed again, snapping her back to reality. It was an email from the publishing company, the official contract.
She gasped softly and whispered, "It's really happening."
Destiny sat up, clicked open the document, and read through every line. It was everything she had prayed for fair terms, good royalties, and a chance to publish her first book under a recognized name.
Before she could even process it all, a message popped up on her phone.
Ethan: "Check your email yet, superstar?"
Destiny: (smiling) "Just did. It's official!"
Ethan: "I knew it! I'm so proud of you, Destiny."
Destiny: "You've been part of this from the start, Ethan. I can't thank you enough."
Ethan: "No thanks needed. Just promise me one thing."
Destiny: "What's that?"
Ethan: "That you'll keep believing in yourself even when I'm not around to remind you."
Destiny frowned a little at that last part.
Destiny: "Wait, what do you mean 'not around'? Are you going somewhere?"
Ethan: "Yeah. I was going to tell you today. I need to travel to Ghana for a short project about three weeks."
Destiny: "Oh"
Ethan: "Hey, don't sound sad. It's just work. I'll be calling and annoying you every day."
Destiny: (laughs softly) "You better."
Ethan: "I will. Now go sign that contract, Miss Author."
Destiny smiled through the bittersweet feeling and got ready.
She dressed in a soft cream top and fitted jeans, her laptop bag slung over her shoulder.
As she walked out of her hotel room and into the crisp morning air, everything around her felt lighter the streets, the breeze, even her footsteps.
At the publishing office, she was greeted by the editor, Mrs. Bello, a cheerful woman in her 40s with a confident smile.
Mrs. Bello: "Destiny Mbah it's lovely to finally meet you in person! We've been talking about your writing in the office."
Destiny: (smiling shyly) "Really?"
Mrs. Bello: "Yes! Your words carry heart. It's rare to find emotion and clarity balanced like that. You're special."
Destiny felt her cheeks warm.
They discussed the final terms, and then with one steady breath she signed the contract.
It felt like crossing into a new world.
She whispered under her breath, "This is for every tear I shed that night I thought I lost everything."
Later that evening, Destiny and Ethan met one last time before his trip. They sat outside a cozy café overlooking the Abuja skyline.
Ethan: "So, officially an author now. How does it feel?"
Destiny: "Strange but beautiful. Like I'm finally walking in my purpose."
Ethan: "You are. And this is just the beginning."
They sat in silence for a while, the golden hue of sunset washing over them.
Destiny: "Ethan?"
Ethan: "Hmm?"
Destiny: "I'll miss you when you travel."
Ethan: (smiles softly) "I'll miss you too, Destiny. More than you think."
A quiet pause settled between them full of things neither wanted to say too soon.
He reached across the table, brushing her hand gently.
Ethan: "Keep writing. Don't stop not even for a day. Let the world hear your voice."
Destiny: "I will."
The next day, Destiny watched as Ethan's flight announcement appeared on her phone. She typed a message but hesitated, unsure what to say.
Finally, she wrote:
"Safe travels, Ethan. Go do great things I'll be right here cheering for you."
His reply came almost instantly:
"And I'll be counting days till I'm back. Keep shining, my star."
Destiny smiled faintly, her heart fluttering at his words.
She placed her phone down, opened her journal, and began a new entry:
"Sometimes, people walk into your life not to change it entirely, but to remind you who you've always been. Ethan has been that reminder for me calm, steady, and kind. Maybe love isn't always loud; sometimes, it whispers through small gestures, late-night calls, and unspoken care."
She looked out the window at the fading sky, her heart full not just of hope, but of quiet certainty.
Ethan was gone for now, but something told her this was far from the end of their story.