Lost in madness

42

The afternoon sun filtered through the café's large windows, casting a warm glow over the bustling interior. I sat across from my sister, Chima, absently stirring my now-tepid latte. The familiar aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension brewing between us.

"Andrew keeps sending flowers," I confided, my voice tinged with exasperation. "And I'm running out of excuses to tell Christian. Our balcony is slowly turning into a garden." I attempted a weak smile, but it didn't reach my eyes.

Chima's gaze sharpened, frustration evident. "Maybe it's time you file that restraining order," she suggested, her tone measured but firm.

I shook my head, feeling the weight of years of history pressing down on me. "I can't do that to him," I admitted quietly. "Not out of love or anything, but out of... respect for our past?" The words sounded hollow even to my own ears.

"Right," Chima scoffed, her eyes boring into mine. "Because 'respect' is exactly what he's shown you all these years."

"Don't start."

"You're the one who brought him up."

Glancing at my watch, I realized with a start that my break was almost over. "I need to get back to work," I said, reaching for my purse, eager to escape the scrutiny of my sister's gaze.

But Chima wasn't done. She leaned forward, her voice low and intense. "You know, when you left, he never stopped looking for you. He showed up at my doorstep almost every day, cursing, harassing, begging. And then one day, he just... vanished. Found out later that he had a kid."

I held my breath, feeling my heart rate quicken. "Why are you telling me this?" I whispered, not sure I wanted to hear the answer.

Chima's eyes locked onto mine, her gaze unflinching. "That man thinks he owns you, Dabe. That's why he keeps coming back anytime he wants. He humiliates and abandons you because he knows the power he has over you, and he's not wrong. Part of you is still waiting for him."

Her words hit me like a physical blow. I felt the color drain from my face as I struggled to form a response. "That's not true," I finally managed, my voice shaky. "Andrew doesn't have a hold on me anymore. I'm with Christian, and I love him."

"Then why did you come back?" Chima shot back, her question hanging in the air between us like an accusation.

I bristled, feeling defensive. "Because this is my home," I retorted, my voice rising slightly. "My life doesn't revolve around Andrew, believe it or not."

Grabbing my bag, I stood up abruptly, eager to escape this conversation. Chima followed me out of the café, her presence both comforting and suffocating.

"I've got to get back to work," I said, pulling her into a quick hug.

"Dabe," she said softly, her eyes filled with concern, "don't ruin your life anymore. You look happy with Christian, so stay happy. Start by getting rid of those flowers and avoiding that man."

"He doesn't matter," I insisted, but the tremor in my voice betrayed me. I hugged her again and walked away, feeling her worried gaze on my back.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of meetings and paperwork. I threw myself into my work, grateful for the distraction from my tumultuous thoughts. Before I knew it, night had fallen, and the office had emptied out. I gathered my things, my mind already on getting home to Nico and Christian, desperate for the comfort of their presence after this hard day.

As I stepped out of the building, a familiar figure caught my eye. My heart sank as recognition dawned on me. "Luke?" I called out, more out of surprise than any desire to engage. "I wish I could say it's nice to see you again."