UN-BROKEN

NEW PATHS,OLD WOUNDS

Life at Zephyr Holdings, the investment banking firm I work in, continued as usual, the hum of conversations, the tapping of keyboards, and the occasional ring of office phones filling the air. I had thrown myself into work, using it as a distraction from the emotional turmoil that still lingered from my breakup with Tayo. I wasn’t fine yet, not entirely, but I was learning how to live with the ache. I still had my well-paying job that Tayo was jealous of, his loss anyway, because I’m loving it here.

That morning, my boss, Mr. Ross Adegbite, gathered everyone for an announcement in the conference room. As I took a seat, I absently scrolled through my phone, barely paying attention until his voice cut through my thoughts.

"Everyone, I’d like you to meet the newest addition to our team, Desmond Ekure. He comes with a wealth of experience and will be working closely with our investment division."

My head snapped up, I lost my breath for a second. Standing beside Mr. Adegbite was Desmond the man I had met before at the café during my lunch break. His eyes met mine briefly, an amused smile on his face, but he gave nothing away. He was dressed sharply in a navy suit, exuding confidence as he introduced himself.

As the meeting dispersed, I gathered my files, trying to process the coincidence. I wasn’t sure how I felt about working with him. I don’t want any male figure in my life after the rollercoaster Tayo put me through, but before I could overthink it, Desmond approached my desk.

"Olivia, right?"

I looked up at him, giving him a small smile. "Yeah. Small world."

He chuckled. "Very. It’s good to officially meet you. Looking forward to working together."

I nodded.

His voice was warm, professional. Maybe I was overthinking it all. It won’t be bad being friends with him.

⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕

In the following weeks, work kept me busy. Desmond and I were assigned to a major investment project, and despite my initial apprehension, I found myself easing into a natural rhythm with him. He was sharp, efficient, and had a way of making the most tedious reports seem bearable with his innocent sense of humor.

Outside of work, I focused on my self-growth. I had started exercising, not just to stay in shape but as a form of therapy. The gym became my escape place where I could focus on something other than my emotions. I also baked more often than I used to. It kept my mind busy. I was making progress in journaling my thoughts and daily activities.

One Saturday morning, I noticed someone stepping onto the machine beside me as I jogged on the treadmill. I turned and found Desmond adjusting the settings on his treadmill.

"Didn’t expect to see you here," he said, grinning.

"Likewise," I replied, slightly breathless. "You don’t look like the guy who likes hitting the gym."

He smirked. "I like to stay unpredictable."

We ran in silence for a while, the sound of our synchronized footsteps filling the space between us. It felt oddly comfortable, the easy companionship and friendship we had developed over the past few weeks.

"So, how’s life outside work?" Desmond asked, wiping sweat off his forehead.

I hesitated, then decided to be honest. "Chaotic. My best friend’s wedding is coming up, and there are a million things to do. Bridesmaid duties, dress fittings, planning the bachelorette… it’s a lot."

"Sounds intense."

"It is," I admitted. "But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Zoe’s been my rock for years."

Desmond nodded. "Good friends are rare."

I studied him for a moment, wondering what kind of friendships he had, what kind of relationships he had walked away from. But I didn’t ask.

⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕

As the wedding approached, I found myself drowning in preparations. The excitement was a welcome distraction. Becca and I helped Zoe pick out decorations, attended last-minute fittings, and even managed to plan a surprise bridal shower. It was exhausting but fulfilling. I had almost convinced myself that I was moving on, that I was okay. Until that evening.

My friends and I had made dinner plans at a new rooftop restaurant in Lekki. The atmosphere was lively, the city lights twinkling in the distance as we sipped cocktails, took pictures of our food for the gram and laughed over shared memories. I was finally enjoying myself until I turned and saw him.

Tayo.

He wasn’t alone.

He was seated a few tables away, laughing at something the woman beside him said. She was stunning, effortlessly beautiful, her smile radiant under the restaurant’s soft lighting. They looked good together. Too good.

My stomach twisted.

Zoe followed my gaze and cursed under her breath. "Are you freaking kidding me?"

"Relax," I said quickly, forcing a neutral expression. "It’s fine."

"It’s not fine," Becca said. "The audacity of this guy!"

I exhaled slowly, trying to keep my emotions in check. It wasn’t like I expected him to mourn me forever, but seeing him so effortlessly happy while I was still picking up the pieces of myself felt like a slap.

Before I could decide whether to stay or leave, Tayo’s eyes flickered in our direction. For a split second, his expression changed, something unreadable crossing his face. But then he looked away, leaning in to whisper something to the woman beside him.

My heart clenched.

"Let’s go somewhere else," Zoe suggested, already reaching for her bag.

I shook my head. "No. We’re staying."

Becca raised a brow. “Are you sure? I feel like killing this guy.”

I lifted my chin, feigning a confidence I didn’t feel. “Absolutely. I refuse to let him ruin my night.”

And so I did. I laughed, ate, and talked, even if my smile faltered at times. I reminded myself that life moves on, even when it hurts.

That night, as I lay in bed, the memory of Tayo’s new girlfriend haunted me. But instead of crying, I closed my eyes and let myself breathe.

I wasn’t okay yet, but I would be someday.