Splendour sat quietly by her bedside, the same velvet box from her graduation day lying open before her. The silver ring Alfred had slipped onto her finger sparkled faintly under the dim light a reminder of promises whispered beneath the crowd's cheers, of tears that once meant forever.
Now, it felt heavy. Too heavy.
She clutched her phone to her ear. "Naomi," she began softly, her voice trembling, "I think I've made a mistake ."
Naomi's voice came fast, sharp, full of disbelief
"Splendour, what are you saying? You and Alfred have been together for seven years! He proposed, you said yes people dream of what you two have!"
Splendour sighed deeply, eyes fixed on the ring. "Naomi, I don't feel that dream anymore. I know it sounds cruel, but lately… I feel trapped. Kingsley makes me happy. I can't explain it ,it's like a part of me woke up when he came into my life."
There was silence for a moment before Naomi spoke again, gentler this time.
"Splendour, I know how you feel. But don't rush into something you'll regret. Alfred loves you deeply, and you know it. Please think carefully before you throw that away."
Tears gathered in Splendour's eyes. "Maybe love isn't enough anymore," she whispered. "Maybe I just want peace."
Naomi was quiet. Then she sighed.
"You're an adult now, Splendour. But remember some choices leave shadows. Just be sure this is what you want."
When the call ended, Splendour sat still for a long time. Slowly, she slid the ring off her finger and placed it inside the box. Her hand felt strangely bare and her heart, strangely quiet.
Just then, her roommate Enisa walked in. She must have overheard part of the call.
"Splendour," she said gently, crossing her arms, "please tell me you're not about to mess up something real for a feeling that might fade."
Splendour wiped her face and tried to smile, but her voice cracked. "Enisa, I don't know anymore. I just want to feel happy again."
Enisa looked at her long and hard before speaking.
"Be careful what kind of happiness you chase, Splendour. Some joys cost too much."
And with that, Enisa turned away, leaving Splendour staring at the closed ring box wondering if she had just shut away the best thing that ever happened to her.