“My name is Summer, and I’m the only daughter of the late Chief Mmadu. I’m 28 years old, and my life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. My parents’ death in a plane crash two years ago left me with a vast inheritance, but also a deep sense of loss and loneliness. I’ve struggled to find men who truly care for me, not just my wealth. But that’s a story for another time…
Right now, I’m sitting in my driveway, tears streaming down my face as my boyfriend, Williams, breaks up with me.
It’s 9:00 PM, and my world is crumbling around me. Again. I can’t believe Williams, my so-called boyfriend, is doing this to me. We just got back from dinner, and he’s breaking up with me in my driveway. All because I couldn’t make a transfer to help him out. I thought we had something real, but I guess I was wrong. Again.
As I sit here in tears, Max, my loyal gate man, rushes out to open the gate. Williams gets out of the car, and I can see the anger in his eyes. He’s been distant for weeks, and I knew something was off. But I never thought it would end like this.
“Please, Williams, don’t do this,” I beg, my voice shaking. But he just looks at me with disgust.
“You couldn’t even help me out when I needed it most,” he spits out. “What’s the point of being with someone who can’t support me?”
I try to explain, but he’s not having it. He drags me out of the car, and I land on the ground, my knees scraping against the pavement. Max rushes over, looking concerned, but Williams warns him to stay back.
“Mind your business, gate man,” he sneers. “This doesn’t concern you.”
Max hesitates, but I can see the pity in his eyes. He knows I’m hurting, but he doesn’t want to get involved. I don’t blame him. Who wants to get caught up in my drama?
Williams gets back in his car, and Max opens the gate for him. As he drives away, I feel a piece of my heart rip apart. Again. I thought I’d learned my lesson after my parents’ death, but I guess I’m still a glutton for punishment.
Max rushes back to me, helping me up from the ground. “Summer, stop crying,” he says softly. “You deserve so much better than him.”
I nod, trying to compose myself. But the tears won’t stop. I feel like I’m drowning in my own sorrow, my own fears. Will I ever find someone who loves me for who I am, not just my wealth?
“I can’t believe he said that,” I sob to Max, my voice shaking with anger and sadness. “He has no idea what I’m worth, beyond my bank account.”
Max nods sympathetically, his eyes filled with understanding. “You deserve so much better, Summer,” he says softly. “You’re a beautiful, kind, and intelligent woman. Don’t let him make you feel otherwise.”
I nod, trying to compose myself. But the tears won’t stop. I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut, like all the air has been sucked out of me.
Max helps me inside, and I collapse onto the couch, feeling like I’m going to collapse. He hands me a glass of water, and I take a sip, trying to calm down.
But my mind is racing. How could Williams say such a thing? How could he be so cruel?
I think back to the beginning of our relationship, how he was so charming and sweet. How he made me feel like I was the only woman in the world.
But it was all a lie. He only wanted my money, my status. He never cared for me, not really.
The night wore on, and my tears refused to dry. I lay in bed, my body shaking with sobs, my mind reeling with the harsh reality. Eight relationships, eight failures. All because of my wealth. I felt like I was living in a never-ending nightmare.
Morning arrived, but I didn’t. I refused to get out of bed, refused to face the world. Max knocked on my door, his gentle voice pleading with me to open up. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t.
“Summer, please open the door. You need to eat something. You can’t stay in there forever,” Max said, his words laced with concern.
But I wasn’t listening. I was lost in my own world of pain and despair. I felt like I was drowning, suffocating under the weight of my own tears.
Max continued to knock, his knocks growing more insistent. But I remained stubborn, refusing to budge. I didn’t want to face the world. I didn’t want to face myself.
As the hours ticked by, Max’s knocks grew fainter, his voice more distant. I knew he was worried, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. I was too consumed by my own grief.
The sun beat down on my window, casting a golden glow over my darkened room. But I didn’t notice. I was trapped in my own darkness, my own private hell.
As time goes, max’s knocks grew louder and more insistent, refusing to give up on me. But I was beyond reason, consumed by my own anger and pain.
“Go away, Max!” I shouted, my voice hoarse from crying. “Leave me alone!”
But Max didn’t listen. He kept knocking, his gentle voice pleading with me to open the door. But I was beyond consolation.
“Max, I mean it!” I warned, my voice rising. “Go away before I lose my temper!”
But Max didn’t back down. He kept knocking, his knocks growing more persistent. And I could feel my anger boiling over, like a pot about to overflow.
Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I flung open the door, my eyes blazing with fury. “Go away, Max!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the hallway.
But Max didn’t flinch. He stood his ground, his eyes filled with concern. “Summer, please,” he said softly. “You need to eat something. You can’t keep starving yourself.”
But I was beyond reason. I was consumed by my own pain and anger. And I lashed out, my hand striking Max across the face.
“Go back to the gate where you belong!” I spat, my voice venomous. “Leave me alone, Max!”
Max’s eyes widened in shock, his face stinging from the slap. But he didn’t retaliate. He didn’t defend himself. He just stood there, his eyes filled with a deep sadness.
And for a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us palpable. Then, without a word, Max turned and walked away, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
I watched him go, my heart still racing with anger. But as the silence grew, I felt a pang of regret. Had I been too harsh? Had I hurt Max too deeply?
But I pushed the thought aside, refusing to acknowledge it. I was too consumed by my own pain, my own anger. And I slammed the door shut, locking myself back in my darkened room.
But I didn’t care. I was too far gone, too consumed by my own despair.
As the morning light crept through my window, I woke up feeling ravenous, my stomach growling with hunger. I realized I hadn’t eaten in over 24 hours, and my weakness was evident in my shaky legs and dizzy head.
Just as I was contemplating what to do, I heard a gentle knock on the door. “Who is it?” I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.
“It’s me, Max,” he replied, his voice soft and calm.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling a pang of guilt and regret. But my hunger won over, and I slowly made my way to the door. I opened it to find Max standing with a tray of breakfast in his hands. He smiled kindly and said, “Good morning, Summer.”
I felt a lump form in my throat as I took the tray from him. He didn’t say another word, just handed me the food and turned to leave. I watched him, feeling a deep sense of remorse. I knew I had hurt him badly yesterday, and his silence was a testament to that.
As he turned to leave, I called out, “Max, wait.” He paused and turned back to me, his eyes searching mine. “I’m so sorry for yesterday,” I said, my voice sincere. “I was wrong to speak to you like that.”
Max looked at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he spoke, his voice low and measured. “It’s fine, Summer. You’re right. I should be going back to where I belong.”
His words left me speechless, and I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes. I knew I had hurt him deeply, and his forgiveness wasn’t going to come easily. I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. “Thank you, Max. I appreciate it.”
He turned to leave, his silence echoing through the hallway. I watched him go, feeling a deep sense of regret and longing. I knew I had to make things right.
With a heavy heart, I closed the door and carried the tray to my bed. I ate in silence, my mind replaying the events of the past 24 hours.
As the evening sun cast its golden glow over the estate, Williams’ car pulled up to the gate. Max, still hurting from our earlier encounter, stood firm, refusing to open the gate. Williams honked the horn repeatedly, growing more agitated by the minute.
“Open the gate, you fool!” Williams shouted, his insults piercing the air. “I need to see Summer!”
Max remained steadfast, his expression unyielding. “I’m sorry, Williams. Summer doesn’t want to see you.”
Williams’ face turned red with rage. “You’re just a gate boy! Who are you to decide who can see her?”
Their argument escalated, their voices growing louder and more heated. I, still feeling guilty and vulnerable, couldn’t help but be drawn to the commotion. I made my way downstairs, my heart racing with anticipation.
As I approached the gate, I saw Williams and Max standing outside, their faces inches apart. Williams’ eyes locked onto mine, and he flashed a charming smile.
“Baby, what’s all this?” he asked, his voice dripping with sweetness. “Did you tell him not to let me come to your house again?”
Baby looked, I was drunk that day and was going through a lot, that’s why I acted the way I did that day. He said.
I hesitated, my emotions torn. Part of me still loved Williams, but another part was angry and hurt.
“It’s okay, Williams,” I said softly. “But you should have told me at least…”
Max interrupted, his voice firm. “Summer, don’t fall for his lies. He’s just trying to manipulate you.”
I turned to Max, my eyes narrowing. “Excuse me? Are you okay? Who asked you to decide who can come to my house and who not to?”
Williams laughed, his eyes mocking Max. “Gate boy, I told you before to channel your energy to where you belong – this gate!”
Max’s face fell, his eyes stinging from the insult. Without a word, he opened the gate, and Williams drove in. We both went inside, leaving Max to nurse his wounded pride.
As he watched us disappear into the house, he felt a pang of regret.
Had I just made a mistake by letting Williams back in? And what would happen to Max, the loyal gate man who had stood up for me?
As I stepped into the house, Williams’ charming smile and apologetic eyes greeted me, making my heart waver. He pulled me into a warm embrace, his whispers of regret and promise of change echoing in my ear. I felt my resolve weakening, my anger and hurt melting away with each tender touch.
But as we sat down in the living room, Max’s words of warning lingered in my mind, refusing to be silenced. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Williams was hiding something, that his apologies were mere tactics to win me back.
As we talked, Williams’ phone buzzed incessantly, his eyes darting towards it with a mixture of anxiety and guilt. I sensed a secret, a hidden truth that he was desperate to keep from me.
Suddenly, his phone rang loudly, shattering the fragile peace. Williams’ eyes locked onto mine, a flicker of fear dancing in their depths. “I need to take this,” he muttered, rising from the couch.
As he stepped outside, his voice grew distant, his words indistinguishable. But one phrase caught my attention, a phrase that sent a chill down my spine: “I’ll handle it, don’t worry.”
Handle what? Who was he talking to? And what secrets was he hiding from me?
My mind raced with questions, my heart pounding with anticipation.
And then, Williams walked back into the room, his eyes avoiding mine, his smile strained. “Everything okay?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Everything’s fine,” he replied, his tone too casual, too rehearsed.
But I knew better. I knew that nothing was fine, that a storm was brewing, waiting to unleash its fury upon me.
As we sat in the living room, Williams’ eyes darted around the space, his fingers drumming against the couch cushion. I sensed a nervous energy emanating from him, a tension that he couldn’t quite conceal.
“Summer, can I be honest with you?” he asked, his voice low and hesitant.
I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. “Of course, Williams. What’s going on?”
He took a deep breath, his words spilling out in a rush. “I lied when I said everything was okay. The goods I’m importing… they’ve been seized by customs. I need money to clear it up.”
My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with calculations. “How much do you need?”
Williams hesitated, his eyes avoiding mine. “2.4 million.”
The amount was staggering, a sum that made my heart race with anxiety. I waited for what felt like an eternity, my thoughts whirling with doubts and fears.
Finally, I spoke, my voice measured and calm. “I’ll check and get back to you by tomorrow, Williams.”
Williams’ face lit up with a relieved smile, his eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Summer. I knew I could count on you.”
But as he leaned in to hug me, I felt a chill run down my spine. Something didn’t feel right, something that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
Next day…
The morning sun cast its golden light upon the estate, illuminating the path to Max’s humble abode. I made my way to his gatehouse, my heart heavy with uncertainty. Williams’ request for 2.4 million lingered in my mind, a constant reminder of the dilemma I faced.
As I entered Max’s cozy living room, his warm smile greeted me, a comforting sight amidst the turmoil. I took a deep breath, my words tumbling out in a rush.
“Max, Please I’m so sorry about what happened yesterday, I need your advice.
Williams needs 2.4 million to clear his seized goods, and I don’t know if I should give it to him.”
Max’s expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. But before he could respond, I hastened to add, “Please, Max, I beg of you, help me. I don’t know what to do.”
Max’s gaze softened, his voice gentle. “Summer, you only came here because you need my advice. If not, you wouldn’t have bothered. I’m only taking all this from you because of the promise I made to your father before their accident.”
My face flushed with anger, my hand rising to slap him. “How dare you remind me of my father’s death! You’re just a gate boy, what do you know about my family’s struggles?”
Max’s eyes widened, his face stinging from the slap. “Forget it, I said. I understand.”
I turned to leave, my heart seething with resentment. “Gate boy, indeed. I’ll never forget your insolence.”
The next day, I sent the money to Williams, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Max. Had I made a mistake by trusting Williams?
As the days turned into weeks, the silence between Max and me grew thicker than the estate’s walls. Neither of us dared to break the silence, our pride and hurt feelings refusing to budge. Even the food I once lovingly prepared for Max ceased, a casualty of our unspoken war.
But fate, it seemed, had other plans. My body weakened, my temperature soared, and my mind clouded with a strange fatigue. I needed help, and fast. Williams, my supposed knight in shining armor, was nowhere to be found, his excuses as hollow as his promises.
As night descended, Max’s concern for me finally outweighed his hurt pride. He’s yet to see me come outside since morning so he approached my door with caution, his knock gentle. I lay in bed, too weak to respond, my eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Max’s eyes widened as he entered, his face etched with worry. “Summer, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice soft and urgent.
I tried to speak, but my voice barely whispered. Max rushed to my side, his hands gentle as he felt my forehead. “You’re burning up,” he muttered, his eyes scanning the room for a solution.
Without another word, he disappeared into the night, returning with a bag of medicines and a warm smile. “I got you some drugs, Summer. You’ll be okay.”
As he helped me take the medication, his hands tender and caring, I felt a pang of regret. Why had I let our disagreement simmer for so long? Why had I pushed away the one person who truly cared for me?
Max’s eyes met mine, a silent understanding passing between us. He knew I was sorry, and I knew he forgave me. As he fed me a warm meal, his eyes never leaving mine, I realized that our bond was stronger than any disagreement.
As the night wore on, Max’s care and concern for me only intensified. He stayed by my side, monitoring my temperature and feeding me warm broth, his gentle touch and soothing words a balm to my frazzled nerves. I felt a deep sense of gratitude and guilt, knowing that I had pushed him away for so long, and yet, here he was, nursing me back to health with a devotion that humbled me.
But as the hours ticked by, my mind began to wander back to Williams, my thoughts consumed by a nagging unease. Where was he? Why hadn’t he come to see me? The doubts crept in like a thief in the night, stealing my peace and replacing it with a growing anxiety that threatened to overwhelm me.
Max noticed my distress and tried to reassure me, his voice low and calming. “Don’t worry, Summer. You’ll be okay. I’m here for you. We’ll get through this together.”
And yet, despite his words of comfort, I knew that I needed to confront Williams, to demand answers and closure. A sense of determination grew within me, a resolve that hardened with each passing moment.
“Max,” I whispered, my voice still weak but firm. “I need to see Williams. Take me to him.”
Max’s eyes narrowed, his face set in a determined expression. “I’ll take you to him but not today Summer.
We’ll face him together, and we’ll get the answers you deserve.”
The next morning, the sound of a car horn pierced the air, signaling Williams’ arrival. Max, who was enjoying his breakfast, rushed to open the gate, his movements swift and efficient.
Williams drove in, his car gliding smoothly over the driveway, and came to a stop in front of the house. He emerged from the vehicle, his stride confident, and entered the house without a second glance at Max.
Max, however, continued eating his food, his expression unreadable. He seemed oblivious to the tension that had just walked into the house.
Williams, meanwhile, was determined to play it cool. He sauntered into the living room, a smirk plastered on his face, and attempted to make small talk. “Hey, Summer, how are you feeling today?”
But I was having none of it. My eyes narrowed, my voice icy. “Why didn’t you come to see me yesterday, Williams? I was sick and needed your help.”
Williams shrugged, his smile faltering for a moment. “I was busy with work, Summer. I didn’t have time to come over.”
I raised an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. “That’s not true, Williams. You mean you couldn’t come to see your sick girlfriend, hmm.
Williams’ eyes darted around the room before settling on mine. “Well, I did come by…later…but your gateman told me you weren’t around.”
My eyes widened in disbelief. “What? You mean Max told you that?”
Williams nodded, his expression unconvincing. “Yes, that’s what he said. I didn’t know what to do, so I left.”
My anger simmered, my patience wearing thin. I quickly stood up, my feet pounding the pavement, and confronted Max, who was still eating his breakfast. “Max, did you tell Williams I wasn’t around when he came by yesterday?”
Max looked up, his eyes calm, his expression unrepentant. “No, I didn’t. Williams never came by yesterday.”
My hand shot out, my palm connecting with Max’s face in a resounding slap. The food in his mouth went flying, and he winced in pain. “How could you lie to me, Max?”
Williams, who had been watching the scene unfold, burst out laughing. “Oh, man, Max. You’re in trouble now.”
I turned to Max, my eyes blazing with fury. “Why did you tell Williams I wasn’t around? What’s going on between you two?”
Just as I was about to hit him again, he held my hands, his eyes pleading. “Summer, I swear, I didn’t tell Williams anything. He’s just trying to cover his tracks.”
I took a step closer, my voice low and menacing. “Stay clear of me, Max. I don’t want to see your face around that main building again.”
Max’s eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. “Fine, Summer. If that’s how you want it. But know this – I never lied to you. And if you’re tired of me, all you have to do is say so. I’ll leave, and you’ll never see me again.”
The air was thick with tension, the silence between us palpable. Williams, still chuckling to himself, seemed to be enjoying the show. But my anger was far from over.
As I stormed back into the house, Williams followed closely behind, his eyes pleading with me to listen to him. “Summer, please, you have to listen to me. Max is not what he seems. He’s been lying to you, manipulating you. You need to get rid of him.”
I crossed my arms, my eyes fixed on him. “I understand what you’re saying, Williams, but I’m not going to sack Max. He’s been loyal to my family for years, and my father trusted him with his life when he was alive.”
Williams’ face turned red with frustration. “But Summer, you don’t understand. Max is a danger to you. He’s been lying to you, hiding things from you.”
I shook my head, my voice firm. “I appreciate your concern, Williams, but I can handle Max. I know what I’m doing.”
Williams’ eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Fine, Summer. But mark my words, Max will betray you. And when he does, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I turned away from him, my heart pounding with anger. “I’ll take that risk, Williams. Max has served my family well, and I won’t betray that trust without good reason.”
Williams’ face twisted with anger, but he knew he was beaten. He turned and left the room, leaving me shaken and upset. I took a deep breath and went to find Max, who was still fixing the wound on his face.
“Max, I’m so sorry,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Max looked up, his eyes cold and unyielding. “It’s not your fault, Summer,” he said gruffly. “It’s my fault. I’m the one who got myself involved in your case first, and walked out on me.”
I took a step back, surprised by his response. “Max, please understand-“
But Max cut me off, his eyes flashing with anger. “No, Summer, you understand. He’s been playing us both from the start. And I’m not going to stand for it anymore.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling shocked and confused.
I realized that Max was hurt and angry, and that my apology wasn’t enough to fix things. I wondered what I could do to make things right between us.
As the days went by, Max’s behavior towards me changed dramatically. He started avoiding me at all costs, never wanting to see me or interact with me unless absolutely necessary. His only obligation, it seemed, was to open the gate for me when I was going or coming from work. He would do so with a curt nod, his eyes avoiding mine, and then quickly retreat back to his gateman room.
I tried to reach out to him, to talk to him and find out what was still wrong, but he shut me down at every turn. It was as if he had erected a wall around himself, a wall that I couldn’t breach.
One morning, I decided to take a different approach. I went to his gateman room, my heart pounding in my chest, and knocked on the door. He came out, his eyes narrowed, and didn’t even bother to greet me. I was the one who spoke first, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Max, please, can we talk?”
He raised an eyebrow, his expression unyielding. “What do you want, Summer?”
I took a deep breath, my hands shaking. “I came to apologize, Max. I know I hurt you, and I’m truly sorry.”
He snorted, his eyes rolling. “Fine, you’ve apologized. You can leave now.”
I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes, tears pricking at the corners. “Max, please, don’t be like this. I care about you, I value our friendship-“
He cut me off, his voice cold. “Friendship? You call what we had a friendship? You used me, Summer. You used me to get what you wanted, and then you discarded me like trash. I don’t want anything to do with you outside of my gateman work. Just leave me alone.”
I felt a pain so intense, it took my breath away. Tears streamed down my face, and I couldn’t speak. I turned and walked away, my heart heavy with sorrow. I knew that I had lost Max, and it was all my fault.
I left his gateman house, my head bowed in shame, and didn’t stop until I was back in my own bedroom, where I collapsed on the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. I knew that I had to respect Max’s boundaries, but it was hard to accept that our friendship was truly over.
The next day, I decided to pay Williams a surprise visit. I arrived at his house, my heart racing with anticipation. I entered the house, my eyes scanning the room for any sign of him. As I made my way to his bedroom, I heard his voice, low and conspiratorial, speaking with another woman. My heart sank as I realized he was with his main girlfriend, the one he had denied having.
I crept closer, my ears straining to hear their conversation. They were discussing how to extort more money from me, their voices dripping with greed. My blood boiled as I listened, my mind reeling with shock. The 2.4 million I had given him, it was all a ruse, a cooked-up story to get his hands on my money.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I pushed open the door, my eyes blazing with anger. Williams and his girlfriend were taken aback, their faces pale with shock. “Williams, I never thought you could do this to me,” I said, my voice shaking with tears. “You lied to me, manipulated me, and betrayed my trust.”
Williams’ eyes darted back and forth, searching for an escape route. His girlfriend’s eyes were fixed on me, a mixture of guilt and defiance. “Summer, please understand-” Williams began, but I cut him off.
“No, Williams, I don’t want to hear it. You’ve lied to me enough. I warned him never to step foot in my house again. And as for you,” I glared at his girlfriend, “you’re just as guilty as he is. Stay away from me, both of you.”
With that, I turned and stormed out of the room, leaving them to their guilt and shame. I couldn’t believe I had trusted Williams, had believed his lies and deceit. But I knew one thing for sure – I would never make that mistake again.
As I left Williams’ house, my heart heavy with sorrow and anger, I drove back home, my mind reeling with thoughts of betrayal and deceit. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard, what I had just witnessed. Williams, someone I had trusted, had been playing me all along.
As I pulled into my driveway, Max opened the gate, his expression neutral as always. I drove in, my eyes fixed on him, hoping to find some comfort, some solace in his presence. I came out of the car, my legs shaking, my body trembling with tears.
“Max,” I rushed to him, my voice barely above a whisper. “Max, I need to tell you something.”
He looked at me, his eyes softening slightly, but his expression remained guarded. “What is it, Summer?”
I took a deep breath, the words tumbling out of me like a dam breaking. “I just came from Williams’ house. I overheard him and his girlfriend talking about how they scammed me, how they extorted money from me. Oh, Max, I feel so stupid, so blind.”
Max’s expression didn’t change, his eyes didn’t flicker with surprise or anger. He just looked at me, his gaze steady. “It’s none of my business, Summer,” he said finally. “You need to fix your own issues. I can’t get involved in this.”
I felt like I had been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Max, the one person I thought I could trust, was turning his back on me.
“Max, please,” I begged, my tears falling like rain. “Please help me. I don’t know what to do.”
But Max just shook his head, his eyes cold. “I told you, Summer. It’s none of my business. You need to handle this yourself.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, alone and heartbroken. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. Max, the one person I thought I could count on, had abandoned me in my time of need.
I stood there, my tears falling like rain, my heart shattered into a million pieces. I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. I was frozen in pain and sorrow.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I took a deep breath and quietly entered my house, my heart heavy with grief. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. I couldn’t believe that Max had turned his back on me.
After I left, Max couldn’t shake off the feeling of guilt that had settled in his chest. He had promised my father that he would always be there for me, but now he was turning his back on me in my time of need. He couldn’t bear the thought of seeing me cry, of knowing that he was the one who had caused me pain.
As the hours ticked by, Max’s guilt only grew stronger. He couldn’t concentrate on his work, couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep. All he could think about was me, and how he had let me down.
The next day, I was still reeling from the events of the previous day. I couldn’t bring myself to go to work, couldn’t face the world outside. I felt lost and alone, unsure of what to do or where to turn.
But as I lay in bed, feeling sorry for myself, I knew that I had to be strong. I had to be strong for myself, for my father’s memory, and for Max. Yes, Max. Despite everything, I still cared for him deeply, and I knew that he was struggling with his own demons.
So, after what felt like an eternity, I finally managed to muster up the energy to get out of bed and make some food. I took some of it out and made my way to Max’s gateman house, hoping against hope that he would accept my peace offering.
As I approached the house, I saw Max sitting outside, his eyes fixed on the ground. He looked up as I approached, and for a moment, our eyes locked. I could see the guilt and regret written all over his face, he stood and was about leaving and my heart went out to him.
“Max, please don’t go,” I called out, holding out the food. “I brought this for you.”
Max looked at me, his eyes softening slightly, but then he shook his head. “Thank you, Summer, but I’m not hungry.”
I felt a pang of disappointment, but I refused to give up. I started begging him to please take the food from me, to please just talk to me, but Max refused. He got up and entered his room, leaving me standing there, feeling weak and defeated.
I quietly went back with the food, feeling a sense of despair wash over me. Had I lost Max forever? Had I lost the one person who truly understood me? I didn’t know, but I did know that I couldn’t give up. I had to keep trying, for myself, for my father, and for Max.
That same evening, Williams had the audacity to show up at my house again, thinking that he could sweet-talk his way back into my good graces. But Max was having none of it. He stood firm at the gate, his arms crossed, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity.
“I’m not letting you in, Williams,” Max growled, his voice low and menacing. “You’re not welcome here.”
Williams sneered, thinking that he could intimidate Max into backing down. But Max was unyielding. He stood his ground, his eyes never leaving Williams’ face.
The two of them stood there, locked in a silent standoff, until finally Williams realized that he was not going to get his way. With a snarl of anger, he turned and started to come closer to the gate, but Max was quick. He pounced, his fists flying, and soon Williams was stumbling backward, his face bloody and bruised.
I heard the commotion from inside the house and rushed out to see what was happening. When I saw Max standing over Williams, his chest heaving with exertion, I felt a surge of gratitude and love for him. Even in our time of misunderstanding, Max was still willing to fight for me.
But before I could say a word, Max turned and walked away, disappearing into his gateman room. I was left standing there, feeling a mix of emotions: gratitude, love, and confusion.
I turned to Williams, who was still lying on the ground, nursing his wounds. “You’re lucky Max didn’t kill you,” I spat, my anger and disgust evident in my voice. “Never come back to this house again. Never try to contact me again. You’re not welcome in my life.”
Williams looked up at me, his eyes filled with shame and embarrassment. He knew that he had gone too far, that he had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed. Without a word, he stumbled to his feet and slunk away, disappearing into the night.
I watched him go, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I was finally free from Williams’ toxic grasp, free to move on with my life and find happiness with someone who truly cared for me. And as I turned and walked back into my house, I start to think that that someone was Max.
As I walked back to my house, I felt a sense of gratitude towards Max for standing up for me against Williams. I couldn’t help but think about how he had put himself in harm’s way to protect me, and I felt a deep sense of appreciation for his actions.
I decided to go back to his gateman house and thank him in person. I walked up to the door and called out to him, “Max, please come out. I need to talk to you.”
He emerged from the house, his eyes fixed on me with a hint of curiosity. “What is it, Summer?” he asked, his voice neutral.
I took a deep breath and expressed my gratitude. “Thank you, Max. Thank you for standing up for me against Williams. I really appreciate it.”
But to my surprise, Max didn’t respond. He just looked at me, his expression unreadable. I felt a pang of confusion and asked again, “Max, please say something. Can I at least bring you some food as a thank you?”
But Max just shook his head and turned to go back inside. “I’m not hungry, Summer. I’m fine.”
I felt a sense of disappointment and frustration. I had expected some kind of response from him, some acknowledgement of my gratitude. But instead, he seemed to be shutting me out.
I stood there for a moment, feeling unsure of what to do next. But then I realized that I couldn’t force Max to talk to me if he didn’t want to. So I turned and went back inside my house, feeling a sense of sadness and confusion.
As I walked away, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through Max’s mind. Was he still upset with me? Did he not want to talk to me? I didn’t have the answers, but I knew that I had to respect his boundaries.
The next day, in the afternoon, I was away from home when Williams, with a sinister grin on his face, showed up at my house with the police. They arrested Max, dragging him away in handcuffs, and took him to the station. I was unaware of the chaos that had unfolded at my home.
As the evening drew to a close, I returned, honking the horn repeatedly, but there was no sign of Max. I grew concerned, my heart racing with every passing moment. I got out of the car and opened the gate, driving in and closing it behind me. I called out for Max, but the silence was deafening.
I entered the house, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. After finishing my bath, I received a call from the police station, informing me that they had Max in custody. My heart sank, and I quickly got dressed and rushed to the station.
Upon arrival, I demanded that they release Max, and after some negotiation, I was able to bail him out. Still fuming, I took the opportunity to report Williams’ fraudulent activities to the police, providing them with evidence of the transfers and chats. The police, convinced of Williams’ guilt, promptly we went to his location and arrested him.
As I watched Williams being led away in handcuffs, a sense of relief washed over me. Justice had finally been served, and I could now focus on repairing my relationship with Max. I could see the pain in his eyes, and I knew that he needed medical attention as soon as possible.
“Max, we need to get you to the hospital right away,” I said, my voice filled with concern.
Max nodded weakly, his body language betraying the discomfort he was feeling. I quickly helped him into the car, and we sped off to the nearest hospital.
As we arrived at the emergency room, I could see the worry in the eyes of the medical staff. They quickly ushered Max into a treatment room, where they began to examine him.
The doctor’s face was grim as he assessed Max’s injuries. “He’s got some severe bruising and lacerations,” he said, shaking his head. “He’s going to need some stitches and pain medication.”
I felt a surge of anger towards the police officers who had handled Max so roughly. How could they have been so brutal?
But I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on getting Max the help he needed. I stayed by his side as the medical staff worked to treat his injuries, offering what comfort I could.
As the hours passed, Max’s condition began to stabilize. He was going to be okay, but the experience had left its mark on both of us.
As we left the hospital, I turned to Max and said, “I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure it never happens again.”
Max looked at me, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Summer,” he said, his voice weak but sincere. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Max and I returned home, exhausted but relieved.
The next day, I went to work, trying to put the traumatic events behind me. But little did I know, Max had other plans.
In the afternoon, while I was still at work, Max packed his bags and left, leaving behind a letter in his room. I came home, expecting to see him as usual, but instead, I found the letter on his bed.
As I read the words, my heart sank, and tears began to flow uncontrollably. Max had written that he couldn’t continue working for me, that there was no need for him to stay. He expressed his gratitude for the time we spent together but firmly stated that he had to move on.
The letter was a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless and heartbroken. I felt like I had lost a part of myself, like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I read the letter over and over, hoping that the words would change, that Max would somehow come back to me.
But the words remained the same, a harsh reality that I couldn’t escape. Max was gone, and he wasn’t coming back. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, unable to find a lifeline to cling to.
I cried and cried, my body shaking with sobs. I didn’t know what else to do, how to move on without Max by my side. He had become such a big part of my life, and now he was gone.
The letter was a constant reminder of what I had lost, of what could never be again.
As the hours passed, I became numb, my tears drying up, leaving behind a hollow emptiness.
Days turned into weeks, and my loneliness became a heavy burden. Without Max by my side, the house felt empty and cold. I started to fall sick, my body weakened by the heartache and longing. I had no appetite, and my sleep was disrupted by vivid dreams of Max.
As my condition worsened, I realized I needed help. I couldn’t bear the thought of being alone in the house anymore. So, I reluctantly called one of my staff from the company, asking her to come and stay with me. She agreed, and I was grateful for her presence.
But even with her help, my sickness only got worse. My body ached all over, and I couldn’t keep down any food. My staff tried to convince me to go to the hospital, but I refused. I was adamant that I only wanted to see Max. I needed him, and no one else would do.
Meanwhile, Max was unaware of my condition. He had switched off his phone and was avoiding me. He was restless and unhappy, unable to shake off the feeling that he had made a mistake by leaving me. But his pride wouldn’t let him come back, and he struggled to find a way to move on.
I texted and called him repeatedly, but he didn’t respond. I was desperate to reach him, to tell him how much I needed him. But he was gone, and I was left to suffer alone. My staff tried to comfort me, but I was inconsolable. I only wanted Max, and nothing else would do.
As the days passed, my sickness reached a critical point. My staff was worried, and she tried to convince me to go to the hospital again. But I refused, my mind fixed on Max. I knew that only he could make me better, and I was willing to risk everything to see him again.
In my desperation, I called out to him, my voice shaking with tears. “Max, please come back to me. I need you. I can’t bear this loneliness anymore.” But there was only silence, and I was left to face my darkness alone.
The next day, Max was preparing to travel to another state to process his travel papers. He turned on his phone, intending to finally say goodbye to me, but was met with a flood of messages and missed calls from me. His heart sank as he saw the pictures I had sent, showing my frail and sickly state. The reality of my condition hit him like a ton of bricks, and he felt a wave of guilt wash over him.
He remembered the promise he had made to my late father, to always be there for me, and the weight of that responsibility came crashing down on him. He knew I was the only child, and the thought of losing me was unbearable.
Without hesitation, Max threw his bag aside and hailed a taxi, racing to my house with a sense of urgency. When he arrived, his heart sank further as he saw my staff in tears, and my eyes closed, motionless. He rushed to my side, and his world came crashing down around him.
In a state of panic, Max scooped up my limp body and rushed me to the car, speeding off to the hospital with a sense of desperation. The nurses there quickly assessed my condition, and their somber faces told Max everything he needed to know. I was gone.
Max was consumed by grief, refusing to let the medical staff cover my body. He held on to me, pleading with them to do something, anything, to bring me back. The commotion he caused drew the attention of the head doctor, who came to investigate the scene.
Moved by Max’s desperation, the doctor decided to recheck my vital signs, and in a miraculous turn of events, they found a faint pulse. There was still life in me. With renewed hope, the medical team sprang into action, bringing in the necessary equipment to operate on me.
Max watched, his heart in his throat, as the doctors worked tirelessly to save my life. The hours ticked by, and the tension was palpable, but Max never gave up hope. He held on to me, whispering words of encouragement, willing me to come back to him. And then, after what seemed like an eternity, the doctors finally emerged, smiling, with news that I was going to be okay.
Hours passed like days, and I slowly began to regain my strength. The hospital staff kept a close eye on me, monitoring my progress and ensuring that I was on the road to recovery. Max and my staff had spent the night at the hospital, anxiously waiting for news of my condition.
As the morning light crept into my room, I felt a newfound sense of energy and hope. The doctor finally gave Max the okay to visit me, and he rushed to my side, his eyes filled with tears of joy. He embraced me tightly, holding me as if he would never let me go.
“Summer, I’m so sorry for leaving you,” he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. “Please forgive me for my foolishness.”
I smiled weakly, my heart overflowing with love for this man. “Max, I forgive you,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “And I have something important to tell you.”
Max looked at me quizzically, his eyes searching mine. “What is it, Summer?”
I took a deep breath, my heart racing with excitement. “I love you, Max. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Max’s face lit up with joy, and he pulled me into another tight hug. “I love you too, Summer. I promise to never leave your side again.”
Days passed, and I continued to recover. Max was by my side every step of the way, nursing me back to health and showering me with love and attention. Finally, the day came when we could leave the hospital behind and start our new life together.
We began dating officially, and our love continued to grow with each passing day. We laughed together, explored new places, and built a life filled with love, joy, and adventure. And eventually, we decided to take the next step and get married.
Our wedding was a beautiful, intimate affair, surrounded by close friends and family. Max looked at me with tears in his eyes as he promised to love and cherish me for the rest of his life. I smiled, my heart overflowing with happiness, knowing that I had found my soulmate in him.
Years passed, and our love continued to flourish. We had our first son, a beautiful baby boy who brought us even closer together. We watched him grow, guiding him through life’s ups and downs, and teaching him the importance of love, family, and loyalty.
And as we looked into each other’s eyes, we knew that our love would last a lifetime. We had found our happily ever after, and we were grateful for every moment we spent together.
The End…
