Love’s Crossroads

Chapter 2

Tracy’s POV

Mrs. Regina had decided to host one of her frequent family gatherings. She loved having people around, filling the house with laughter and conversation. This was my second month working for her, and I had already witnessed two of these events. But this one was special—it was for her son, Richard, who had just returned home from the states.

Mrs. Regina was a widow. She lost her husband three years ago, and while she carried her grief with grace, the weight of loneliness sometimes shadowed her warm smile. These gatherings seemed to bring her a kind of joy that nothing else could, reminding her that she still had family, still had love surrounding her.

She had been my blessing in disguise. Under two months of working for her, she had not only treated me with kindness but had changed my life in ways I never expected. She had enrolled me at the National Open University (NOUN), making sure I had a chance at a better future. As if that wasn’t enough, she also bought me a laptop for my online classes.

Gratitude wasn’t a strong enough word to describe how I felt.

Since she was busy with her guests, I decided to help in the kitchen. It wasn’t required of me, but I wanted to be useful. Chef Ada and the other staffs were preparing a feast—Nigerian Jollof rice, air-fried chicken, and a creamy salad that I love so much.

Once the food was ready, we started carrying the dishes to the dining room. I carefully balanced a tray, whispering a silent prayer that I wouldn’t trip. But as I moved, I felt it—eyes on me. Watching.

A prickling sensation ran down my spine, making me hyper-aware of every step I took. I didn’t dare look up, knowing that if I did, I might lose my focus and embarrass myself. When I finally placed the dish on the table, I turned quickly and headed back to the kitchen, avoiding all eye contact.

Later, after finishing in the kitchen, I went to my room to take a much-needed shower. The warm water eased my muscles, washing away the exhaustion of the day. Afterwards, I slipped into a pair of black joggers and a loose white crop top. I had my damp Afro hair wrapped in a towel. I made a mental note to go to the salon to get my hair done into cornrows.

I was supposed to go home for the weekend, as I always did, but something held me back. I didn’t feel like leaving. Maybe it was exhaustion. Maybe it was something else.

Just as I settled onto my bed, lost in my thoughts, my phone rang. I didn’t even have to look—I already knew who it was.

Ray.

“Hey, baby. I’m so sorry I couldn’t call you this morning,” his deep, smooth voice filled my ear. “The network has been s**t. I miss you.”

A small smile tugged at my lips. Ray. The love of my life.

We have been together for three years. He has been my rock when I had nothing, when I felt lost. I was devastated when he had to move to South Africa for work a year ago, but I never once doubted his love for me. Distance had done nothing to weaken our bond. He made sure of that.

Not a day went by without him calling, checking in, making sure I was okay. He adored me, spoiled me, and treated me like the most precious thing in his life. Even when he wasn’t financially stable, he gave me everything he could.

Six months after he left, he surprised me with an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

He didn’t want me working—he wanted to take care of me completely—but I needed to help my mom and siblings. I refused to rely on him for everything, even though he never minded. He still sent me money regularly, still made sure I lacked nothing.

“Lemme alone,” I said, feigning annoyance. “So you couldn’t text me? It had to be a call?”

Ray chuckled softly, his voice rich with warmth. “I’m sorry, my love. It won’t happen again. Next time, I’ll drop a text, alright? I love you.”

And just like that, my annoyance melted. His voice always had that effect on me—deep, soothing, filled with an affection that made my heart ache.

“I love you too,” I whispered.

A loud knock suddenly echoed through my room, making me jump.

Who the hell knocks like that?

Ray noticed the shift in my tone immediately. “Is something wrong?”

“No, babe. I have to go. I’ll call you when I can, okay?”

He hesitated. He hated ending our calls, hated anything that took my attention away from him. This was exactly why he didn’t want me working in the first place.

But eventually, he sighed. “Okay, my love. Talk to you soon.”

After we said our goodbyes, I placed my phone down and made my way to the door. My heart skipped a beat when I saw who it was.

Mr. Richard.

For a moment, he just stood there, his expression unreadable. His sharp features, the strong jawline, the piercing gaze that always seemed to unsettle me, it was all too much. He had an air of authority, of power, that made the air feel heavier when he was near.

I swallowed. “Uh… do you need something?”

He seemed hesitant, as if debating whether or not to speak. And then, finally, in that deep, commanding voice of his, he asked;

“Where are the wine glasses?.”