Excellent Love

**Excellent Love** Abuja was alive tonight. The city pulsed with energy, as it often did on nights when the stars aligned with human celebration. Mark stepped out of his sleek car, the lights of the city reflecting off its black exterior, and inhaled deeply. The scent of freshly cut grass and distant smoke from suya stands mixed in the warm evening air. He adjusted the cuff of his suit and glanced up at the towering Abuja International Conference Center, where tonight’s charity gala was being held. It wasn’t the kind of event Mark would normally attend, but his business partner had insisted it was a networking opportunity he couldn't miss. Mark was more inclined to a quiet night with a good book than mingling with high society, but duty called. As a rising star in Abuja’s fast-growing tech scene, he knew the value of connections. He straightened his tie, steeling himself for the night ahead, and strode towards the entrance. The glass doors parted, revealing a lavishly decorated foyer bathed in golden light. The air buzzed with the sound of clinking glasses, light laughter, and animated conversations. Everyone looked polished, important, and full of purpose. Mark navigated through the crowd with practiced ease, offering polite nods and handshakes, though his mind was elsewhere. It had been months since he’d had a real conversation with someone outside of work that didn’t revolve around venture capital or the latest app development. He could feel the weight of the constant grind in his chest, and tonight felt no different—until he saw **her**. She stood across the room, near a display of abstract paintings, laughing lightly with a small group. There was something about her presence that made the room shrink, drawing Mark’s focus entirely. She wasn’t just beautiful, though her flowing cream dress and the way her hair cascaded down her shoulders made it clear that she was; there was a lightness to her. The kind of ease in her movements and the way she engaged with those around her suggested confidence, but also a kind of warmth that immediately disarmed him. Mark’s throat went dry. It was like watching sunlight break through the clouds on a particularly cloudy day. She didn’t seem to notice him, or if she did, she gave no sign of it. He stood there, rooted to the spot for what felt like an eternity, watching as she gracefully excused herself from her group and walked toward the refreshments table. **Juliet**, he heard someone call her from behind, and the name stuck in his mind. Mark blinked and realized he had been standing there, awkwardly staring. He quickly turned, pretending to examine his phone as a group of attendees passed by. But his mind was elsewhere, fixated on this woman named Juliet. He’d always prided himself on his focus and ability to stay cool under pressure, but in this moment, he felt the stirrings of something unfamiliar—a desire to know more, to reach out, to make a connection. He needed to talk to her. Taking a deep breath, Mark approached the refreshments table, his heart beating a little faster than he’d like. As he drew nearer, Juliet turned her head slightly, her eyes locking with his for a brief moment. There was no shock or awkwardness in her gaze, just a curious smile, as if she’d expected him to walk up. "Hi, I’m Mark," he managed, extending a hand. “Juliet,” she replied, her voice soft but clear. She took his hand in a light shake, her grip firm but delicate. Up close, she was even more striking, with bright eyes that hinted at mischief. “Nice to meet you, Mark. Enjoying the gala so far?” Mark let out a small laugh. “It’s, uh, definitely lively. Not exactly my usual scene.” “Oh?” Juliet raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful smile. “What’s your usual scene then?” “Usually more...quiet,” Mark admitted. “I tend to avoid events like these. I guess I prefer spending my time buried in work.” “Ah, a workaholic,” Juliet teased, sipping from her glass of champagne. “You should be careful with that. Too much work and you’ll miss out on all the interesting things life has to offer.” Mark grinned, feeling the tension ease a little. “Like this gala?” “Maybe,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “Or maybe something else entirely.” Their conversation flowed naturally after that, the world around them fading as they talked about everything and nothing. Juliet, as it turned out, was in Abuja for a special project with a legal firm, dealing with pro-bono cases for underprivileged communities. Her passion for justice and her calm yet confident demeanor intrigued Mark, pulling him deeper into the conversation. “Abuja has been kind to me,” she said at one point, glancing around the room. “But I think it’s the people that make it special. The connections we make—sometimes fleeting, sometimes lasting—are what define a place.” Mark nodded, understanding more than she realized. He had moved to Abuja five years ago to build his tech start-up, but in all that time, he had never felt this kind of connection with anyone. The evening wore on, but Mark barely noticed. They moved through the different areas of the event, exploring art exhibits and discussing everything from the latest tech innovations to their favorite places in Nigeria. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but there was something unspoken between them, a question hanging in the air that neither was ready to address. It wasn’t until the gala was winding down, and the crowd began to thin, that Mark realized he didn’t want the night to end. As they stood together on the balcony overlooking the city, the twinkling lights of Abuja stretching out below them, he turned to Juliet. “Can I see you again?” The words slipped out before he could stop them, but he didn’t regret asking. There was something about her, something he couldn’t shake. He wasn’t ready to let this be just another brief encounter. Juliet looked at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she smiled, a small but genuine one. “Maybe. I’ll be in town for a little while longer.” Mark’s heart lifted. It wasn’t a promise, but it wasn’t a rejection either. For now, it was enough. As they exchanged contact information and said their goodbyes, Mark walked back to his car with a sense of anticipation he hadn’t felt in a long time. Something about Juliet had sparked something within him—a curiosity, a longing for more than just his work. And as he drove through the quiet streets of Abuja, her name echoed in his mind.juliet The night was silent as Mark drove through the city, his mind replaying the evening’s events. The neon lights of Abuja blurred past the window, but all he could think about was Juliet. Her smile, her laugh, the way her eyes twinkled when she talked about her work—it all felt like a moment suspended in time. His phone buzzed in the passenger seat, snapping him out of his thoughts. He glanced at it, hoping for a message from her. But it was just a reminder from his business partner about a meeting the next morning. Mark sighed, slightly disappointed. He was a logical man, not prone to daydreaming, but Juliet had stirred something in him that he couldn’t quite put into words. It had been years since he felt this alive, like something had shifted within him. As he pulled into his driveway, his phone buzzed again. This time, he allowed himself a moment of hope. He quickly grabbed it and unlocked the screen. It was a message from Juliet. **Juliet**: *I enjoyed tonight. Hope your usual scene wasn’t too upset by all the “liveliness.” :)* Mark smiled to himself, sitting back in the driver’s seat before typing a response. **Mark**: *I survived, thanks to good company. You’re not making me rethink my workaholic ways, are you?* He hit send and waited. To his surprise, her response came quickly. **Juliet**: *Maybe a little. You looked like you needed a break from all that seriousness.* Mark chuckled, feeling a warm sense of connection. This was easy—too easy, maybe—but it felt right. Before he could overthink it, he typed again. **Mark**: *Guilty as charged. But I’ll have you know I’m not all business. Maybe I’ll surprise you.* A moment passed, and then her reply came through. **Juliet**: *I’ll hold you to that.* He stared at the screen, feeling the weight of her words. There was something about Juliet that wasn’t just fleeting. It wasn’t just another conversation at a party that would fade with time. She was already lingering in his mind, occupying a space he hadn’t allowed anyone in years. Could this be something more? The next morning, Mark was back in his usual environment—his office in the heart of Abuja’s business district, surrounded by the hum of computers and the chatter of his team. The sharp scent of fresh coffee filled the room, but his mind wasn’t on the project deadlines or the investor meeting later that day. It was on Juliet. He glanced at his phone multiple times during the morning, hoping for a message. The brief conversation from the night before had left him restless, wanting more. But she hadn’t reached out again, and he wasn’t sure whether to follow up or let things cool down. “Mark, you ready for the meeting?” his partner, Emeka, asked, snapping him out of his thoughts. Mark blinked, nodding quickly. “Yeah, I’m ready.” Emeka shot him a knowing look. “You seem distracted, man. Everything good?” “Yeah, just...long night,” Mark said, brushing it off. He wasn’t ready to explain the whirlwind of emotions to anyone, not yet. The meeting dragged on, and Mark found himself struggling to focus. The usual discussions about app developments, marketing strategies, and potential partnerships seemed distant. It wasn’t until after the meeting, when he finally checked his phone, that he saw another message from Juliet. **Juliet**: *Do you want to meet up later? I know a great spot for lunch.* His heart skipped a beat. He didn’t hesitate this time. **Mark**: *I’d love that. Where should we meet?* Juliet quickly sent him the details—an outdoor café near Jabi Lake, overlooking the water. It was the perfect setting, quiet and scenic, just the type of place Mark enjoyed. His anticipation grew as the time for their meeting approached. This wasn’t just another workday anymore. This felt like something new, something real. A few hours later, Mark arrived at the café, the sun casting a golden glow over the lake. The tranquil atmosphere immediately put him at ease. He spotted Juliet sitting at a table near the edge of the water, her dress fluttering slightly in the breeze, her attention focused on the view. She looked up as he approached, offering him a smile that made his pulse quicken. “Hey,” Mark said as he took the seat across from her. “Hey yourself,” Juliet replied, her eyes twinkling. “You look more relaxed than last night.” Mark chuckled. “Maybe it’s the scenery. Or maybe it’s the company.” Juliet raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “You’re definitely not as serious as you let on.” They ordered lunch, and the conversation flowed as naturally as it had the night before. This time, there were fewer distractions—no clinking glasses or buzzing conversations in the background. It was just the two of them, the calm of the lake, and the soft breeze that carried their words. They talked about everything—Mark’s career, Juliet’s work, their favorite books, the places they’d traveled. There was an openness between them that surprised Mark. He rarely let people in this quickly, but with Juliet, it felt effortless. “You know,” Juliet said after a pause, “I’m not staying in Abuja for too long.” Mark’s heart sank slightly at her words. “How long are you here?” “Just a few more weeks. I’m finishing up a project with my firm, and then I’m headed back to Lagos.” “Lagos?” Mark echoed, trying to keep his disappointment from showing. Juliet nodded, her expression soft. “Yeah. My firm has a big case there, and I need to be back to handle it.” Mark felt a pang of regret, but he nodded. “That makes sense. I guess Abuja isn’t your permanent base, then.” “No, not really,” Juliet said, smiling slightly. “But I’ve enjoyed my time here. Maybe more than I expected.” Mark looked at her, his thoughts racing. He wanted to ask if she felt the same connection he did, if she was as drawn to him as he was to her. But the words caught in his throat. It felt too soon, too fragile to put into words. Instead, he smiled back. “I’m glad you did. Abuja’s not so bad.” Juliet laughed, the sound light and genuine. “No, it’s not.” They lingered over lunch, the conversation slowing but never feeling awkward. There was a comfortable silence between them now, a shared understanding that neither wanted to break. Finally, as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Juliet glanced at her watch and sighed. “I should probably get going. I have a meeting later tonight.” Mark felt a pang of disappointment again, but he nodded. “Of course.” They stood, and as they walked out of the café together, Mark felt the weight of their brief time together pressing down on him. He didn’t want this to be the end. “Juliet,” he said, stopping just as they reached her car. She turned to him, her expression curious. “Would it be alright if we did this again? Before you leave?” Juliet studied him for a moment, her gaze softening. “I’d like that, Mark. I really would.” She smiled one last time before slipping into her car and driving away, leaving Mark standing there by the lake, watching her fade into the distance. Something told him that this was just the beginning. As Juliet’s car disappeared from view, Mark stood for a few more moments by the lake, the peaceful breeze doing little to calm the restless thoughts swirling in his head. There was a strange mix of excitement and uncertainty running through him, as if he was standing at the edge of something new but unknown. He finally made his way back to his own car, the serene atmosphere of Jabi Lake sticking with him even as he drove back into the bustling heart of Abuja. For the rest of the day, his focus remained divided—half on his work, half on Juliet and their easy, flowing conversations. It had been years since anyone had made him feel this way, since he’d allowed himself to get caught up in something so quickly. By the time the evening rolled around, Mark had already decided he couldn’t let this slip away. There was something about Juliet, something he hadn’t expected but couldn’t ignore. Her time in Abuja might be limited, but that didn’t mean their time together had to be. Over the next few days, Mark and Juliet saw each other as often as their schedules allowed. It was mostly simple—dinners at quiet restaurants, walks through Abuja’s parks, and long conversations that never seemed to run dry. Every time they were together, Mark felt more at ease with her, as though they had known each other for much longer than just a few days. Juliet’s warmth, her laughter, her passion for life—it all pulled him in deeper. And she seemed to feel the same way. Despite her busy schedule, she made time for him, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. One evening, they found themselves walking through the busy streets of Wuse, the city glowing with energy. Street vendors called out from their stands, and the smell of roasted corn and spicy suya filled the air. Juliet, dressed casually in jeans and a light blouse, was more relaxed than ever, and Mark loved seeing this side of her. “You’re surprisingly down-to-earth for someone who works in a high-powered legal firm,” Mark teased as they passed by a food stand, grabbing two pieces of suya for them to share. Juliet laughed, taking a bite. “What, you thought I only ate at fancy restaurants?” “Well, I wasn’t sure,” he admitted with a grin. “You carry yourself like someone used to the high life.” “I’m just a girl from Lagos,” she said with a playful shrug. “Besides, sometimes the simple things are the best things.” Her words struck a chord with him. It was exactly how he felt about her. Despite her success and ambition, there was a simplicity to Juliet, a groundedness that made Mark feel like he could be completely himself around her. They walked through the lively market, talking about everything from their childhoods to their favorite foods, laughing at each other’s stories and sharing thoughts on life. Mark felt more and more certain with each passing moment that this was something special. As the evening wore on and the streets began to empty, they found themselves sitting on a bench near the market, watching the city wind down around them. “You know,” Juliet said softly, “I wasn’t expecting this.” “Expecting what?” Mark asked, turning to look at her. “This,” she said, gesturing between them. “When I came to Abuja, I didn’t think I’d meet anyone like you. I thought I was just here for work, and that was it.” Mark felt his heart skip a beat. “I wasn’t expecting this either. But I’m glad it happened.” Juliet smiled, her eyes softening as she looked at him. “Me too.” For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging in the air. Mark could feel it—the pull toward something deeper, something more than just a fleeting connection. But there was still that lingering uncertainty. Juliet’s time in Abuja was coming to an end, and neither of them had brought up what that meant for them. Mark finally broke the silence. “Juliet, I know you’re leaving soon, and I don’t want to pretend like that doesn’t matter. But I want to see where this goes.” Juliet’s expression grew thoughtful, her gaze dropping to the ground for a moment before she looked back at him. “I’ve been thinking about that too. I don’t know what happens when I leave. But I also don’t want to walk away from this.” Mark reached for her hand, gently lacing his fingers through hers. “Then let’s not.” Her eyes met his, and for a moment, the world seemed to shrink around them. It didn’t matter that they had only known each other for a short time or that there were obstacles ahead. What mattered was the connection between them—the spark that had grown into something real. “I’m willing to try if you are,” Juliet said softly. Mark’s heart swelled at her words. He hadn’t expected this when he’d first seen her at the gala, but now, he couldn’t imagine not having her in his life. “I am,” he said, his voice firm but gentle. Juliet smiled, and in that moment, Mark knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. The next few weeks were a whirlwind of moments that felt both fleeting and eternal. Mark and Juliet grew closer with each day, sharing experiences that deepened their bond. From exploring hidden corners of Abuja to quiet nights spent talking about their dreams and fears, they had created a bubble around themselves, where time seemed to slow down just for them. But as Juliet’s departure date grew closer, reality began to creep back in. Mark could feel it in the quiet moments when their conversations would pause, or when Juliet would get that distant look in her eyes. Neither of them wanted to confront the inevitable, but they couldn’t avoid it forever. One evening, just days before she was scheduled to leave, they sat together on the balcony of Mark’s apartment, watching the sun set over the city. The warm glow bathed everything in a golden light, but there was a heaviness between them that hadn’t been there before. “Mark,” Juliet said quietly, breaking the silence. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what happens next.” Mark’s heart tightened. He had known this conversation was coming, but it didn’t make it any easier. “I have too.” She turned to face him, her expression serious but gentle. “I don’t want this to end. But I don’t know how we make it work with me in Lagos and you here in Abuja.” Mark took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. He didn’t want to lose her, but he also didn’t want to push her into something she wasn’t ready for. “We don’t have to figure it all out right now. But I think... if we both want this, we can make it work. It won’t be easy, but nothing worth having is.” Juliet nodded, her eyes glistening with emotion. “I want this, Mark. I really do. But I also don’t want to hold you back, or for you to feel like you’re sacrificing too much.” Mark reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “Juliet, you’re not holding me back. If anything, you’ve shown me that there’s more to life than just work. I don’t want to let that go.” For a long moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their feelings hanging in the air. Finally, Juliet leaned in, resting her head on Mark’s shoulder. “Okay,” she whispered. “Let’s try. Let’s see where this goes.” Mark smiled, feeling a surge of relief and hope. “We’ll figure it out. Together.” And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the city in shadows, Mark knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they had something worth fighting for. The days following their decision felt like a balancing act between joy and apprehension. Juliet’s departure loomed over them like an unspoken countdown, but Mark and Juliet made the most of the time they had left in Abuja. They laughed, explored, and created memories that felt timeless, even though both knew time was slipping away. They spent their final days visiting favorite spots in the city, walking by Jabi Lake, dining at hidden gems, and simply enjoying each other’s company in the small moments—silent car rides, holding hands during late-night walks, and stolen kisses under the Abuja sky. But despite their efforts to stay in the moment, the reality of Juliet’s departure was never far from their minds. On the morning of her flight, Mark woke up early, the weight of the day heavy on his chest. He stared at the ceiling, thinking of everything that had happened in the few short weeks they’d known each other. The easy moments, the laughter, the connection. It had all felt so real—so fast. And yet, here they were, facing the unknown. Juliet was flying back to Lagos that afternoon, and the thought of her being so far away brought a pit to his stomach. He had known from the start that this day would come, but knowing didn’t make it easier. They hadn’t talked about the long-term. It felt too soon, too uncertain, and yet Mark couldn’t shake the fear that he might lose her. By the time he picked Juliet up for the airport, they both wore quiet smiles, though the air between them was thick with unspoken words. The drive was quiet but comfortable, neither of them saying much, as if both were trying to hold on to the last few hours. When they arrived at the airport, Mark carried her suitcase to the entrance, feeling the minutes slip away. They stood outside the terminal, both unsure of how to say goodbye. Juliet looked up at him, her eyes full of emotion. “Mark, I don’t know what’s going to happen next,” she admitted, her voice soft. Mark reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. “Neither do I,” he said honestly. “But I know I want to try. I don’t want this to end.” Juliet nodded, her eyes glistening. “Me too.” They stood there for a moment, the noise of the bustling airport fading into the background as they looked at each other. There was a weight to this moment, a significance they both felt. Neither of them knew how long this would last or where it would go, but the connection they’d built in such a short time felt too strong to ignore. Mark pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair. “We’ll figure it out,” he whispered, more to himself than to her. Juliet pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his face. “I’ll miss you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll miss you too,” Mark replied, his voice thick with emotion. They stood there for a moment longer, their foreheads touching, breathing in the same air, unwilling to let go just yet. But eventually, the inevitable came. Juliet’s flight was boarding, and they had to say goodbye. With one last kiss, Juliet pulled away, her fingers lingering in his for just a second longer before she let go. “I’ll call you when I land,” she promised, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and sadness. Mark nodded, watching as she turned and disappeared into the terminal. He stood there, rooted to the spot, long after she was gone, staring at the entrance as if willing her to come back. The days after Juliet’s departure were harder than Mark had expected. He had thought he could throw himself into work, distract himself from the distance with projects and deadlines. But no matter how much he tried to focus, his mind kept drifting back to her. They spoke often—late-night phone calls that stretched into the early hours, texts throughout the day that kept the connection alive. But it wasn’t the same. The distance between them, though physical, seemed to deepen emotionally as well. There were days when Juliet was too busy with work to talk, and Mark would sit by his phone, waiting for a message that sometimes didn’t come. He tried not to let it bother him. He understood how demanding her job was. But the silence felt heavier with each passing day. Mark couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting, that the easy flow of their connection was starting to get tangled in the distance. One night, after a particularly long day, Mark sat on his couch, scrolling through his phone, waiting for Juliet’s usual goodnight text. But it didn’t come. He stared at the screen for what felt like hours, debating whether to call her. Eventually, he decided to send a message instead. **Mark**: *Hey, hope your day wasn’t too crazy. Just wanted to say goodnight.* He hit send and waited. Minutes passed, and still no response. He knew she was likely busy, but the silence gnawed at him. He went to bed feeling uneasy, wondering if things were starting to unravel. The next day, Juliet finally called, apologizing for her silence. “I’m so sorry, Mark,” she said, her voice tired. “Work has been insane. I didn’t mean to ignore you.” Mark tried to keep his voice light, not wanting to add any pressure. “I get it. I know how busy you are. I just... I miss you.” There was a pause on the other end of the line, and when Juliet finally spoke, her voice was quieter. “I miss you too.” But there was something in her tone, something that made Mark’s chest tighten. He didn’t push her, didn’t ask what was really bothering her, but the distance between them felt more real than ever Weeks passed, and though they kept in touch, something had shifted between them. The easy flow of conversation had become more strained, their texts shorter, their calls less frequent. Mark tried not to think about it, tried to tell himself that it was just a phase, that things would get better once Juliet’s workload eased up. But deep down, he knew that wasn’t the whole story. One evening, after another missed call, Mark finally decided to confront the growing unease. He called Juliet, his heart pounding in his chest as the phone rang. She answered on the third ring. “Hey, Mark,” she said, her voice tired. “Hey,” Mark said, trying to keep his tone steady. “We need to talk.” There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and Mark’s heart sank. Finally, Juliet spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know.” And in that moment, Mark realized that no matter how much they had wanted to hold on, some things weren’t meant to last. yes it was good privilege to get it done before then if you need anything from me comments on