JASON'S POV
I parked right in front of Tiara’s gate, killed the engine, and sat there for a moment, fingers tapping the steering. The street was quiet, too quiet. It made the knot in my chest tighten.
I turned to her. She sat with her hands folded on her lap, staring ahead like her house had become some kind of haunted place.
“Tiara… are you sure you’ll be okay here?” I asked quietly. “I mean it. You can come stay with me at my uncle’s house. Please. I can’t just leave you here with… him.”
She finally looked at me, her eyes soft but filled with something sharp, fear, maybe, or something worse. “Jason… I’ll be fine. He’s not going to hurt me.”
I let out a breath, shaking my head. “I’m not convinced. I just want you safe.”
She gave a weak chuckle, staring down at her fingers. “I never thought I’d ever have to worry about being safe in my own house. I’m scared, Jason… I really am. But I need to be strong for my mum. I’m all she has now.”
Before I could stop myself, I reached out and pulled her into a hug. She didn’t resist. In fact, she melted into it, shoulders shaking slightly.
“I’m so sorry you’re going through this,” I whispered against her hair. “If I could take this pain for you… you know I would. But one thing I can promise you, Tiara... I’ll be right here. I’m not going anywhere. You can count on me.”
She pulled back slightly, her eyes glassy but a small smile tugged at her lips. “Thank you.”
Then she sighed, biting her lip. “I’m sorry I broke up with you. I didn’t mean to hurt you… I just… I’ve been dealing with so much and I thought pushing you away would make things easier...”
I shook my head before she could finish. “Tiara. You don’t have to explain. I get it. I really do. You don’t owe me anything. I just want you safe. That’s all that matters right now.”
Her eyes softened even more. “Thank you, Jason… really.”
I leaned back in my seat, trying to shake off the heaviness. “So… how’s your mum? I mean… any better news from the hospital?”
She shook her head, looking away. “No. Nothing yet. The doctors said there’s no change. It’s like she’s stuck in some… space between life and death.”
My heart ached for her. “She’ll pull through. She’s strong. Just like you.”
Tiara gave me a look — half amused, half tired, then sighed. “I wish I believed that.”
She was quiet for a beat. Then, she asked, “How about you? How’s your dad’s case going?”
I exhaled. “Not great. Janet said the case was adjourned again. Doesn’t look like things are turning around any time soon.”
Tiara shook her head slowly. “I’m so sorry, Jason. How’s Janet doing?”
“She’s holding up… you know Janet. She acts tough, but… I know she’s hurting. She misses you, by the way. Told me to send her love.”
Tiara smiled faintly. “I miss her too. Both of you.”
I reached out and squeezed her hand gently. “We’re here. You’re not alone in this.”
She nodded, wiping under her eyes.
Before she could reach for the door handle, she turned back to me. “How was your exam?”
I chuckled. “Let’s just say… I managed to get through it. But honestly? The real reason I even came to Abuja was for you. The exam was just… secondary.”
