Love’s Crossroads

Chapter 7

Tracy’s POV

The car slowed to a stop in front of a grand mansion, its exterior glowing under the soft evening light. My eyes widened as I took in the towering structure —white marble, gold trimmings, and massive glass windows that reflected the beauty of the perfectly manicured garden. Even before stepping in, I could tell this was wealth at its finest. But despite its beauty, I knew it was nothing compared to the mansion I lived in with Mrs. Regina.

Richard’s family wasn’t just rich; they were among the top five wealthiest families in Nigeria. And yet, despite the opulence, there was something about this house that felt warm—lived in, not just a cold display of wealth.

The moment we entered, Mrs. Regina and Mrs. Angela immediately started chatting, they’re friends after all , their laughter filling the massive living room. This was my first time meeting Mrs. Angela, and from the way she carried herself, I could tell she was a woman of grace and influence.

I took a quiet seat, observing their interaction, but before I could get too comfortable, an excited scream filled the air.

“Auntie!”

A tall, stunning woman strode into the room, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. She looked like she belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine—long legs, flawless skin, and an air of confidence that demanded attention.

Mrs. Regina turned with a delighted smile. “Stephanie, my dear! Look at you! You’ve grown even more beautiful since the last time I saw you.”

Stephanie grinned, tossing her long, sleek hair over her shoulder. “Auntie, I’ve missed you. It’s been too long!” She wrapped Mrs. Regina in a warm hug, completely oblivious to my presence.

I didn’t mind, though. I sat quietly, watching the exchange. It was clear that Stephanie was well-loved, and from the way she carried herself, she knew it too.

Mrs. Regina gave her a playful nudge. “So, when are you getting married Ehn? you’re 24. You’re not getting any younger, my dear.”

Stephanie laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Auntie, you already know who I want. I’ve missed him. I can’t wait to see him.”

Richard.

She was talking about Richard.

I took in the scene before me—Stephanie, a vision of elegance, standing confidently with her bright future ahead of her. A doctor, intelligent, beautiful, and clearly adored by everyone in the room.

And then there was Richard, a business tycoon, a billionaire, and the heir to one of Nigeria’s wealthiest families.

They made sense.

A power couple. A perfect match.

Just then, Stephanie’s gaze shifted toward me, her perfectly arched brow lifting in curiosity.

“Auntie, who is she?” she asked, her voice smooth yet laced with genuine curiosity.

Mrs. Regina smiled warmly. “Oh, that’s Tracy. She’s a very sweet girl, she keeps me company and takes good care of me. She’s always making sure I have everything I need.”

I felt heat creep up my cheeks at the unexpected praise.

Stephanie turned to me with a charming smile. “Thanks for taking care of Aunty,” she said, her tone friendly but composed.

I returned her smile. “It’s nothing, really. I enjoy being around her.”

She turned her attention back to Mrs Regina and her mother.

The conversation drifted into various topics—life, travel, and family—but it didn’t take long to notice that Stephanie’s real focus was on Richard.

She kept asking about him, her curiosity endless. How was he? What had he been up to? Was he seeing anyone? Mrs. Regina answered most of her questions enthusiastically, but I found myself merely listening, I was offered some tasty meat pie. They were so delicious. After eating five of it, I felt so full.

After what felt like hours of catching up, Mrs. Regina decided it was time to leave. Stephanie hugged her tightly, promising to visit soon, before we finally headed home.

As we drove into the estate and approached the house, we spotted Richard stepping out, his tall frame cutting an imposing figure under the dim evening sky. He was by his car, seemingly in a hurry, but before he could slip inside, his mother’s voice rang out, full of excitement.

“Richard! Guess who I saw today?”

He turned slightly, his expression unreadable as she continued, “Stephanie! My goodness, that girl has grown into such a beauty. She relocated back to Nigeria! Left her job behind—can you believe that? She’ll be working at one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country!”

Richard simply nodded, his hand gripping the car door.

Mrs. Regina wasn’t done. “You should meet up and catch up, you know? It’s been years!”

The entire time she spoke, Richard’s gaze wasn’t on her. It was on me. I felt nervous under his gaze but I remain still.

Dark, unreadable, and unwavering.

Then, after a brief pause, he finally responded, his voice calm but firm. “I’m busy right now. I’ll do that some other time.”

Without another word, he slid into his car, shut the door, and drove off, leaving his mother looking slightly disappointed.

I, on the other hand, stood frozen in place, my heart pounding for reasons I couldn’t quite understand.