-Writer POV-

Ben stood at the corridor's entrance with the phone in hand as he slowly picked up the incoming call.

"Hello, boy, it's Mr. MarQueen," said the voice on the other end of the line. The familiar warmth in Mr. MarQueen's voice brought a soft smile to Ben's face. He knew that whenever Mr. MarQueen addressed him like that, it meant only one thing: he wanted to drop all formalities and talk as a father and son. This was a rare occurrence, but it always signalled a meaningful and heartfelt conversation was about to take place.

"Mr. MarQueen, I meant to call you." Says Ben. "How are you?"

"I am fine. I hope you are, too," says Mr. MarQueen.

"I was fine a moment ago, but not so much," Ben replied. "I am so sorry about that," Mr. MarQueen responded. "Then, I guess you have to brace yourself for what I am about to say to you."

A concerned Ben asks, "Is everything okay with my mom?"

"Your mom is just fine. This is not about her."

"Then what?" Ben inquires. Mr MarQueen explained, "It's about your father and stepbrother, concerning the situation."

"What about the situation?" He states as he strolls down the hallway.

-Shelley POV-

I have been putting off calling Ben with my answer for two weeks now. It's been a tough couple of weeks, and I haven't been getting much rest. I've been wrestling with conflicting thoughts about whether my long-standing distrust of men, stemming from past experiences, is a valid enough reason to let go of Ben.

"Over the past few months, he has shown me a kind of love I never knew existed. So why am I reluctant to trust him completely? He deserves my trust more than any man I have come across. So why not trust him?"

As I scrolled through the photos on my phone, I couldn't help but smile at the memories of me and Ben at the club. The vibrant lights, the pulsing music, and the laughter in our eyes captured in those pictures reminded me of how carefree and happy we were at that moment. In one particular picture, I study the way Ben gazes into my eyes, his expression filled with warmth and adoration, as if I was the only woman in the crowded club. It's amazing how photographs can preserve such special memories.

Seated on this sofa I can't help but wonder how strange it feels to sit on the sofa this Saturday morning without him next to me. My mind wandered to how he always finds an excuse to come over to my place and spend time with me, even though I didn't need him here.

I thought about how I miss opening the door to find him behind it, and how he finds ways to make this sofa his bed anytime he comes over. Sure, I am in love with him, but the fact still remains that I just can't bring myself to trust him fully. It is as if I expect him to break my heart at any moment in time.

While I sit on the sofa, feeling pity for myself, a call comes in. Picking up the phone, I look at the caller ID. I sigh, realising the caller.

"Hello, Miriam. How are you.... and the pregnancy? I see. I am glad everything seems fine. What up?"

"I'm calling to ask if you'll be attending the send-off party we're throwing this week," says Miriam. "What send-off party are you talking about, and for whom?" I asked.

"My goodness. Did Ben not inform you of his leaving? I can't believe this. He is leaving for home this coming week. He said an emergency came up, and he needed to go back home to attend to it. The guys and I thought about throwing him a send-off party. When was the last time you two spoke?"

"Umm! It's been a while."

"'Really?' Are you sure everything is okay between you two?" There was a pause before I responded, "Of course."

"Listen, I am sorry, but I will not be able to make it. I have an appointment with a friend that I cannot cancel. Could you please convey my apologies to him and the guys for my absence? I will make it a point to call Ben before he leaves."

"Alright, I will inform him," says Miriam. "I have to go. We will talk later. Bye."

***

-Adam POV-

I knock on the door and wait patiently. This is only the second time I've been to their home since the wedding. The first time was when I dropped off their wedding gifts. This time, it's a send-off party. I had been looking forward to it when they told me, but everything changed when Miriam called me yesterday, informing me that Shelley would not be present. It looks like she is still avoiding me. I was hoping to say my goodbyes to her before I made the trip, but it looks like Faith has another plan for us. Maybe she wasn't the right woman for me after all.

As I continue to ponder, the door opens, revealing a pregnant-looking Miriam, who greets me with a hug. Finally, a site to brighten my day.

Once inside, they quickly start the party since I was the only one left to arrive. The room is decorated with colourful streamers and balloons, and upbeat music fills the air. I take a seat at the table with my friends as we chat and laugh, the atmosphere filled with excitement and joy. The conversation has been mostly about what this year has brought into our lives, including the highs and lows, achievements, and memorable experiences. The room is filled with warmth and nostalgia as we reflect on the journey we've had so far.

As they talk, I cannot help but appreciate every day spent with my friends here. Things have not been easy for any of them. Take Blankson, for instance; he is struggling to make his marriage work. All in all, he is a workaholic. I hope that he takes my advice to heart and learns to relax once in a while with his family. I would hate to witness their divorce. Hopefully, it won't come to that.

Finally, things are looking up for Miriam and Matthew. Considering we nearly lost Miriam to an accident, thank God it wasn't fatal. With a baby on the way, those two have a lot on their plate. It's a shame I won't be here to help.

"Hey, Ben, down to earth. What is keeping you thinking?" Mathew ask. "Sorry. I was just thinking about how I was going to miss you all."

"Oh, come on, you're going to come back, right?" This time, it was Blackson who asked. In between sips, I responded, "Maybe."

"What do you mean by maybe? What about Shelley?" Miriam ask. "What about her?" I responded.

"I thought you had feelings for her," she says. "I do. It's just that she doesn't have feelings for me."

"That's bullshit, and you know it." Sighing, I fill my friends in on the event that transpired between me and Shelley three weeks ago.

"I am so sorry, man." Matthew makes this statement after listening to my account. "We all thought she was the one."

"So did I."

"I told you she was out of your league," Mathew adds. Without thinking, Miriam steps on her husband's foot. "Ouch! What was that for?"

_

A/N: Hey guys. I am so sad right now.😢 What do you think about him leaving?