Dreams to vows

Chapter 12: Reconciliation

Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world. — Roy T. Bennett

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POV : Priscilla

I sat in my car, staring at the familiar office building where John worked. My heart was heavy, weighed down by the tension that had been growing between us. It had reached a point where something had to give, and I knew that today, things had to change. With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and walked inside.

I found John at his desk, his eyes glued to the computer screen, looking every bit as stressed as I’d imagined. The project had consumed him, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration. I’d been so willing to help, to support him, but he’d shut me out. It hurt more than I wanted to admit.

"John," I called out softly, my voice breaking the silence in the room. He looked up, and I saw the surprise flicker in his eyes when he saw me standing there.

"Priscilla… I didn’t expect you." He stood up, his expression shifting to one of guilt as he walked toward me. He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took my hand. "I’m sorry, Priscilla. I know I’ve been distant, and I’ve shut you out. I didn’t mean to neglect you like this."

I stayed quiet, searching his face for the sincerity I needed to see. His eyes held so much regret, and it tugged at my heart.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I’ve been so wrapped up in this project… I let it take over everything. But that’s no excuse. I should’ve let you in, should’ve leaned on you instead of pushing you away."

His words stung, not because they weren’t true, but because I knew how much he was struggling. Still, the hurt I’d been carrying around was real, and it wouldn’t just disappear with an apology. "It hurt, John. I just wanted to help you, to be there for you. But you wouldn’t let me."

"I know," he admitted, his voice low. "And I hate that I made you feel that way. You’re the most important person in my life, Priscilla. I should have treated you like it."

The sincerity in his voice softened something inside me, but there was still one more thing that needed to be addressed. I had to know, once and for all.

"When I came by the other day and saw you with Clara… It felt like there was something going on that you weren’t telling me," I said, my voice trembling slightly. I’d been trying to push the thought away, but it kept gnawing at me. "I’ve been trying not to overthink it, but it’s been eating at me."

John’s face grew serious, and he shook his head firmly. "Nothing was going on, Priscilla. I promise you that. Clara and I were just going over some details for the project. I know it might have looked bad, but I swear it was just work."

I searched his eyes, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all I saw was honesty. "You’re sure?"

"Absolutely," John said, stepping closer to me. "Clara has been helping me with this project, but that’s all it is. I would never do anything to jeopardize what we have. You have to believe me."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. "Okay. I believe you."

John took my hands in his, squeezing them gently. "I know I’ve made some mistakes, but I don’t want to lose you, Priscilla. We’re stronger together, and I need you by my side. Not just in the good times, but when things get tough too."

His words echoed what I’d been feeling all along, and I nodded, feeling the truth of them. "I want that too, John. But you have to let me in. We’re a team, remember?"

"Always," he agreed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "And I’ll do better, I promise."

The tension between us began to ease, and I felt the warmth of our connection returning. We stood there for a moment, just holding onto each other, both of us finding comfort in the closeness we had been missing.

Finally, I broke the silence with a small, teasing grin. "Now, how about we tackle that project of yours? I have a feeling you could use my help."

John chuckled, the sound light and relieved. "I think you’re right. I could definitely use your expertise."

We spent the next few hours working side by side, our collaboration a reminder of how well we complemented each other. As we made progress, my earlier frustration began to fade, replaced by the satisfaction of working together toward a common goal.

But there was still one more thing I needed to do. As we were wrapping up, I glanced at John with a thoughtful expression. "Where’s Clara? I think it’s time I had a chat with her."

John nodded, understanding the importance of this moment. "She’s in her office. Do you want me to go with you?"

I shook my head. "No, I can handle it. I think it’s better if it’s just between the two of us."

With that, I made my way to Clara’s office and knocked on the door. She looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes when she saw me. "Ms. Bassey, what can I do for you?"

I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath. "I think we need to clear the air, Clara. I’ve been feeling some tension between us, and I want to make sure we’re on the same page."

Clara hesitated, then nodded. "I understand. I’ve been focused on making sure this project goes smoothly, but I can see how it might have come across the wrong way."

I appreciated Clara’s straightforwardness and decided to be just as direct. "I respect the work you’ve been doing with John, but I need you to understand that John’s life outside of work is just as important. We need to respect each other’s boundaries."

Clara nodded, her expression sincere. "I respect that, and I’m sorry if I overstepped. My only concern has been the success of the project, but I understand where you’re coming from."

As I left Clara’s office, I felt a sense of closure. Returning to John, I found him waiting for me, his face a mixture of anticipation and hope. "How did it go?"

"It went well," I said with a small smile. "We’re good."

The relief on John’s face was palpable, and he took my hand as we walked out of the office together. The air between us felt lighter now, the weight of unspoken words and unresolved issues finally lifted.

As we drove home, John glanced at me with a playful grin. "You know, I could get used to you taking charge at work like that."

I laughed, feeling the warmth of our connection returning. "Only if you agree to let me take charge at home too."

John chuckled, squeezing my hand. "Deal. I know when to follow a good leader."

Our banter flowed easily, each teasing remark a reminder of the love and trust we had rebuilt. The shadows that once threatened to pull us apart were now a distant memory, replaced by the warmth of our shared laughter and the strength of our commitment to each other.

As the night wore on, I leaned my head on John’s shoulder, contentment washing over me. "We’ll be okay, won’t we?"

John kissed the top of my head, his voice soft but confident. "We will, Priscilla. We’re stronger together."

And in that moment, with the world outside quiet and still, I knew it to be true.

Wowu☺️ so Priscilla and John eventually settle their differences 🥂 let's sit back and see what becomes of the duo😁😁