The days after that night were quieter than Akanni had expected. The storm inside him had eased slightly, replaced by a lingering warmth from the intimacy he had shared with Mira. Their connection, once purely professional, had now become something deeper—anchored in trust, affection, and a recognition of shared vulnerability.
In the mornings, they would share breakfast quietly, sometimes merely sipping coffee together, exchanging glances that said more than words ever could. Akanni had begun to laugh again—a rare, low sound that filled the house with a sense of life he had almost forgotten. Mira, observant as always, noticed the subtle shift in his energy.
"You're not thinking about her anymore, are you?" she asked one morning, her fingers brushing against his as she handed him a cup of tea.
He smiled faintly. "I am thinking… but not the way I used to. Not with bitterness or pain. I'm… focused. On us, on my life, on what matters."
Mira's hand lingered on his, warm and grounding. "Good. That's the Akanni I know."
The weeks turned into months, and slowly, Akanni's focus returned to work. He poured himself into planning new ventures, exploring investments in aggrotech and renewable energy, and mentoring his executive team. Leke and Mira ensured that operations ran seamlessly, giving Akanni the space he needed to reclaim his empire without distractions.
Yet, even as he rebuilt himself and his business, there was always a part of him that lingered on Bukky and the betrayal he had felt. Rumors reached him, whispers of Bukky's increasingly frequent meetings with Demi, and the plans they were quietly making. Akanni didn't allow jealousy to consume him; instead, he treated it like a puzzle—one he would eventually understand and solve, though for now, he let events unfold.
By late November, the picture became clear. Bukky and Demi had set the date—December 5—for their wedding. The news reached Akanni through a mix of media whispers and strategic intelligence; it wasn't a surprise, but it was a bitter one. He allowed himself only a single moment of reflection before turning back to his work.
Mira observed him quietly one evening
"You're going to be okay," she said softly, leaning on the doorframe. "You've rebuilt yourself from worse."
Akanni paused, fingers resting on a report. "I will be… but it still hurts. I know she chose him, and I know I have to let go. But letting go doesn't mean forgetting. Not yet."
Mira stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to forget. You just need to focus on what's next. What you can control."
He nodded, letting out a long sigh. "You're right, Mira. Thank you."