Chapter 003

"Are you alright?"

At first, I didn't recognize the voice. Even though I was still attempting to sort through the jumble of feelings from the night, the silky baritone sounded low and seemed to vibrate through me. I didn't want to look back or give credit to anyone or anything. But I was compelled to do so by that question—a straightforward, considerate one.

I gulped forcefully and wiped away the tears that had unconsciously trickled down my cheeks. The tears that I had suppressed throughout the night. The kind of tears that resulted from heartache, betrayal, and the devastating realization that I had been blind. Nobody's sympathy was what I wanted. Not from a stranger, at least.

Nevertheless, I couldn't help but notice the man standing just behind me, leaning against the balcony's elaborate railing, where I had fled the commotion of the engagement party.

He was tall and well-fitting in a fitted suit, with the chilly evening light highlighting the sharp lines of his jaw. Inside the home, he stood out from the throng of well-dressed men because of his rugged edge and dark hair that had been expertly combed but not too neat. His eyes were a vivid green, piercing, and possessed an expression that appeared to read me like no one else had since the start of the night.

He moved forward slowly while keeping his eyes fixed on mine. "I apologize for interrupting, but I couldn't help but notice that you seemed to need someone to talk to."

His remarks pierced me even if they were sincere. since I had been reluctant to speak. Not with anybody. Particularly not with someone who appeared to be in control.

I shook my head and used the back of my palm to wipe my face. I said, more to myself than to him, "I'm fine."

He stayed with me and didn't abandon me to my sorrows. Rather, he moved in closer, as though he was challenging my presence. "You don't appear well."

I was surprised by the intensity of his look as my eyes darted up to meet his. His ability to see right through me was unsettling. But I didn't draw away for an odd reason.

"Who are you?" My voice caught a little when I asked, but I didn't want it to. This man, this stranger, was making it difficult for me to steady myself.

Although he smiled, it wasn't a consoling smile. His smile conveyed that he was aware of something that I was not. "Let's just say that I have a talent for reading people."

A beat skipped in my chest. His statements seemed obscure in some way, but at the moment, I wasn't sure I had the energy to investigate more. Anger shot through me once more as I thought of Yemi and the celebration that had gone awry. I whispered to myself, "You know, I wasn't planning on being here tonight." It was meant to be my night. My engagement celebration. And now—

With a gentle yet firm tone, he said, "You don't have to explain yourself." "What happened here is obvious."

I scowled at him, feeling nearly annoyed. Who was this guy to think he was aware of what had transpired? However, I had to acknowledge that it's possible that he did. Perhaps he saw more than I thought.

I stepped back as if his closeness was unbearable and yelled, "I don't need someone to tell me what I already know."

He didn't retreat, though. Rather, he shook his head and gave a half-smile. It wasn't my intention to inform you of what you already knew. I was just expressing the obvious.

His speech gave me the impression that I was the one losing control. And I was more irritated by that than I wanted to acknowledge.

I took a deep breath and tried to turn my head away from him. Even though the night air felt refreshing against my skin, the knot in my stomach persisted. Especially not in front of a stranger, I hadn't wanted to show my vulnerability.

"So, what would you like?" Trying to calm myself, I asked. "What keeps you standing here?"

As though the inquiry were a test he had previously mastered, he appeared amused. Since you're not feeling well, I'm here. Additionally, you shouldn't have to face this alone.

I gave a hollow, resentful laugh. "You think that after my fiancé just—" I'm going to let some random stranger comfort me?"

I broke off as the new wave of misery swept over me once more, my chest constricted. I had been so oblivious to Yemi's deception. The embarrassment of everything. The rage. I briefly closed my eyes in an attempt to gather my thoughts.

The stranger then moved forward, a little bit closer, his presence anchoring in some way. His voice was low and unexpectedly warm as he said, "Toyosi, I don't want to be some random guy." "Even if it's only for one night, I want to be the person who can help you forget about everything."

His words stayed between us for longer than I wanted to acknowledge, like an unspoken commitment.

Suddenly uncertain of anything, I gulped. What was going on here? What did he have to offer?

I turned my back on him, my mind whirling with ideas like a tempest. "I don't need someone to help me forget. I don't require a diversion.

"Really?" His voice a bit more strong now, he took another step closer. "Because that appears to be precisely what you require." Toyosi, you don't have to bear this load by yourself. You won't be the last person to experience love-related pain; you're not the first. However, you have a choice in how you allow it to define you.

His remarks were too personal, too intimate with the aspects of myself that I had been attempting to repress. That part of me that wants to shout and scream and set everything on fire.

I nearly believed him for a brief minute, almost falling for his claims. Then, though, something clicked within of me. Whoever this guy was, I didn't want him to have any influence over my feelings or choices.

I stood up straight and stepped back. I said, my voice abruptly hard, "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not interested."

At first, he remained silent. Rather, he just observed me, his green eyes growing darker in the low light, as though he were gauging me in ways I couldn't comprehend.

His hand briefly touched mine as I turned to leave, and the sensation was electric.

His breath was warm against my ear as he muttered, "I never said you had to be." However, I believe you'll want to be. You'll see.

With my heart racing, I jerked my hand away. I was unsure of how to feel and what to think.

Desperate to escape him, I began to pace rapidly back toward the party, but as I got closer to the door, I heard him call after me.

"Toyosi," he murmured, his tone suddenly low and menacing. "Remember what I said. I'll see you once again.

It dawned on me then that this stranger, whoever he was, was more than a fleeting encounter. He was a person I would have to deal with.

What was it that I had just gotten myself into?