Four years passed like a soft whisper.
Splendour was no longer the shy sixteen-year-old who once trembled at her father's anger or wept in fear of a dream. She was twenty-three now graceful, confident, and standing tall in her final year at the university.
It was a bright morning her birthday. The sun spilled golden light into her small hostel room, and Enisa was already humming a tune as she arranged her books.
Then came a knock at the door.
"Who's that?" Splendour asked, still half-asleep.
Enisa peeked out and gasped. "Girl, you better wake up right now!"
Splendour groaned. "What is it?"
But when she turned, she froze.
Standing in the doorway was a delivery man holding a massive bouquet of red roses, their petals soft and glistening with morning dew.
"Miss Splendour Adelara?" he asked with a smile.
"Yes…" she said softly.
"These are for you."
He handed her the flowers — but that wasn't all. Attached to the bouquet was a small golden box, a stuffed teddy bear holding a heart, a framed photo of her and Alfred from years ago, and a sealed envelope with her name written in his handwriting.
Enisa clapped her hands, laughing. "Ah! This your Alfred is spoiling you o!"
Splendour blushed. "He didn't have to…"
"Read it!" Enisa urged, already tearing open the envelope.
Splendour rolled her eyes and laughed softly. "You just want to gist before breakfast."
Enisa cleared her throat dramatically and began to read aloud:
"My dearest Splendour,
Every year you grow wiser, stronger, and more beautiful not just on the outside, but in the quiet fire within you.
You've turned your pain into power, your fear into faith, and your dreams into destiny.
I may not be beside you this morning, but every heartbeat of mine still whispers your name.
You are my peace, my answered prayer, and the melody I never get tired of hearing.
Congratulations, my love — not just for your birthday, but for the woman you've become.
Forever yours,
Alfred. "
When Enisa finished, she looked up, her eyes shining. "He's still that same Alfred."
Splendour smiled, blinking back tears. "Yeah," she whispered. "He never changed."
She placed the letter gently on her desk, inhaling the scent of the roses. For a moment, her world felt perfect love, peace, and the promise of something greater just around the corner.
Enisa wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "You're almost done with school, and your love life still looks like a movie. God really carried you, girl."
Splendour chuckled softly. "He truly did."
Outside, the sun climbed higher, and somewhere miles away, Alfred sat in his office, smiling at the thought of her opening those flowers.