The graduation hall shimmered under bright lights, echoing with applause, laughter, and the sound of cameras flashing. Students tossed their caps into the air, celebrating the end of one chapter and the start of another.

Pamela stood among them, her face glowing with pride. She had finally done it. After years of struggle, sleepless nights, and emotional battles, she had graduated.

Her friends surrounded her, hugging and cheering. “You did it, girl!” shouted Lindiwe, her closest friend from class. “You’re officially a graduate!”

Pamela smiled, though inside her heart felt heavier than the gown on her shoulders.

She searched the crowd instinctively for Felix — hoping to see his face, his familiar smile. But he wasn’t there.

She had invited him weeks before, and he had promised he’d come. But that morning, he sent her a message:

Felix: “My love, I’m sorry I can’t make it today. Something important came up at the firm. But I’ll make it up to you tonight. Be ready for a surprise.”

Pamela had smiled when she read it, but a small part of her felt disappointed. Felix had missed one of the biggest days of her life.

And then, from the corner of her eye — she saw him.

Renaldo.

He stood by the exit, dressed in a black suit, holding a small bouquet of white lilies. His eyes found hers instantly.

Pamela froze. Her heartbeat quickened.

He walked toward her slowly, smiling. “Congratulations, graduate.”

She swallowed hard, whispering, “You came?”

Renaldo chuckled softly. “You really thought I’d miss this?”

He handed her the flowers, and their fingers brushed — a spark passed between them, as real as ever.

For a moment, time stopped.

Pamela could hear her own heart. The world around her faded, leaving only the two of them in that crowded hall.

Then, breaking the silence, Lindiwe appeared behind her.

“Who’s this handsome man?” she teased.

Pamela forced a smile. “Just… a friend.”

Renaldo smiled politely, but his eyes said otherwise.

That evening, Pamela joined a small group of classmates for a graduation dinner. She tried to celebrate, but her mind kept drifting — not to Felix, but to Renaldo’s voice, his touch, his eyes.

Every time her phone buzzed, she hoped it was him. But it wasn’t.

It was Felix.

Felix: “Hope you’re enjoying your night. Don’t stay out too late. I have something special waiting for you at home.”

Pamela smiled faintly and typed back:

Pamela: “I’ll be home soon.”

But she didn’t go home soon.

Renaldo called.

“Meet me,” he said simply. “One last time before we both go our separate ways.”

Pamela hesitated. She wanted to say no. But her heart betrayed her again.

“Where?” she whispered.

“You already know.”

She met him at the quiet rooftop bar near campus — the same one they once studied at together. The night air was cool, and the city lights stretched endlessly before them.

Renaldo poured them both a drink and smiled. “To your success.”

Pamela smiled weakly, raising her glass. “To… complicated love stories.”

They laughed, though there was sadness in their eyes.

“So,” Pamela asked softly, “what happens now?”

Renaldo looked at her for a long moment before replying. “Now? You go live your life. Be happy. Marry him if that’s what makes you happy.”

Pamela bit her lip. “And you?”

“I’ll move on. Maybe,” he said. “Or maybe I’ll always think about the one who got away.”

Pamela’s eyes glistened with tears. “Renaldo—”

But before she could finish, he leaned in and kissed her — gently, deeply, like he was saying goodbye with his heart.

Pamela didn’t pull away this time. She kissed him back, tears rolling down her cheeks.

It was a kiss filled with pain, regret, and love all at once.

When they finally parted, Renaldo whispered, “Go home, Pamela.”

She nodded silently and walked away.

By the time Pamela arrived home, it was almost midnight.

The house was dark and quiet. She assumed Felix was still working.

But when she opened the door — the lights flicked on.

“Surprise!”

Pamela jumped, gasping as the living room filled with cheers. Friends, family, and even some of Felix’s colleagues were there, smiling and clapping.

Felix walked toward her, holding a bouquet of roses. His eyes sparkled with pride and love.

“Congratulations, my queen,” he said softly. “You did it.”

Pamela’s heart twisted.

Everyone clapped as Felix kissed her forehead and whispered, “You make me the proudest man alive.”

Pamela smiled for the cameras, laughed at the jokes, and thanked everyone — but deep inside, she was drowning in guilt.

All she could think about was the kiss that had happened just hours before.

After the guests left, the house was silent again.

Felix turned to her, smiling warmly. “You look beautiful tonight.”

Pamela forced a smile. “Thank you.”

Felix pulled her closer. “I missed you. I wish I could’ve been at your graduation.”

Pamela nodded, unable to meet his eyes. “It’s okay.”

“You know,” Felix said, brushing her cheek, “watching you tonight reminded me why I fell in love with you. You’ve grown so much. You’re strong, beautiful, and smart.”

Pamela swallowed hard. “Felix… there’s something I—”

“Shh,” he said softly, kissing her hand. “Whatever it is, tell me later. Tonight, we celebrate you.”

He led her to the couch, where a small box sat. Inside it was a diamond ring — larger, brighter, more beautiful than the one she already wore.

“Pamela Jackson,” Felix said, kneeling down again, “will you finally let me make you my wife?”

Pamela froze. Her eyes filled with tears.

Everyone had already left. It was just them now.

Her heart screamed no. Her guilt whispered confess. But her fear… her fear said yes.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Felix smiled with pure joy and hugged her tightly.

Pamela cried silently against his shoulder.

He thought they were tears of happiness. But only she knew the truth.

In the following weeks, Pamela and Felix began planning their wedding.

Everything looked perfect from the outside — two young lovers preparing for a life together. But behind every smile, Pamela hid her guilt.

Every time Felix talked about honeymoon plans or family, she felt like she was suffocating.

She tried to end things with Renaldo, but he wouldn’t let go completely. They still texted occasionally — short, cautious messages that carried more meaning than words could say.

Renaldo: “Do you ever think about that night?”

Pamela: “Every day. But we can’t.”

Renaldo: “I know. I just needed to hear from you again.”

Pamela deleted the chat afterward — but the ache remained.

One rainy afternoon, Felix forgot his lunch at home. Pamela decided to deliver it to his office.

When she walked in, the receptionist smiled warmly. “Oh, you must be the fiancée Mr. Mathers always talks about. He’s so lucky to have you.”

Pamela smiled weakly. “Thank you.”

But as she walked toward his office, she overheard two of his colleagues talking quietly near the printer.

“Man, Felix really worships that woman,” one said. “He even turned down a business trip just to stay close to her.”

“Yeah,” the other replied. “If only people knew how good he really is.”

Pamela froze.

The guilt hit her like a wave. Felix wasn’t just a man who loved her — he was a man who sacrificed for her.

She left his lunch on his desk and walked out before he could see her tears.

That night, Pamela sat in bed, staring at her phone. She typed a message to Renaldo:

“I can’t keep doing this. Please don’t contact me again.”

Then she turned off her phone and cried herself to sleep.

She thought it was over.

But the universe wasn’t done with her yet.

End of Chapter 6