Daniel had never considered himself a jealous man.
At least, that was what he used to tell people.
But recently, the thought of another man making Amara smile had become unbearable.
He tried to hide it whenever they spoke. He tried to behave as though Michael was just another friend in her life.
Unfortunately, his actions were beginning to betray him.
One Saturday afternoon, Daniel visited Amara without informing her beforehand.
She was in the living room when the doorbell rang.
"Who is it?" she called.
"It's me."
She recognised the voice immediately.
"Daniel?"
She opened the door.
"Good afternoon."
"Good afternoon. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"No. Come in."
Daniel entered and placed a small shopping bag on the table.
"I brought something for you."
Amara looked inside.
Her favourite snacks and a bottle of juice.
"Thank you. You didn't have to."
"I know."
They sat down.
For a while, they discussed ordinary things. Daniel asked about her job application, and Amara explained that she was still waiting for the company's final decision.
Then her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen.
"Sorry, I need to take this."
Daniel nodded.
"Go ahead."
"Hello, Michael."
Daniel's expression changed slightly.
Amara continued speaking.
"Yes, I received the document. Thank you for sending it."
She laughed at something Michael said.
"You're funny. I'll speak to you later."
She ended the call.
Daniel looked at her.
"Michael again?"
Amara raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
"No. I was just asking."
"Okay."
Daniel leaned back.
"You two talk quite often."
Amara looked at him carefully.
"Daniel, what exactly are you trying to say?"
"Nothing."
"Then why do you keep bringing him up?"
He sighed.
"I don't like the way he seems to be getting close to you."
Amara folded her arms.
"And what exactly is wrong with that?"
"Amara, you know I still love you."
"Yes, I know."
"Then why are you entertaining another man?"
She became quiet for a moment.
"Daniel, we are not officially back together."
He looked away.
"We are working towards it."
"Perhaps. But that doesn't mean I have stopped living my life."
"I understand."
"Do you? Because sometimes you behave as though I owe you the same commitment I gave you before."
Daniel had no immediate answer.
Amara continued.
"When you betrayed me, you didn't stop to think about how I would feel. You made your decision. Now I am trying to rebuild my life, and you want to decide who I can speak to?"
"I'm not trying to control you."
"Then don't behave like it."
Daniel lowered his head.
"I'm sorry."
Amara sighed.
"I don't want us to fight every time another person's name comes up."
"I'll try."
He stayed for another thirty minutes before leaving.
On his way home, he called Kelechi.
"Bro, I need your advice."
"What happened?"
"Michael."
Kelechi laughed.
"Who is Michael?"
"The man getting close to Amara."
"And?"
"I don't like it."
Kelechi became serious.
"Daniel, listen to yourself. You cheated on her, got another woman pregnant, and now you're angry because she has a male friend?"
"It's not like that."
"Then what is it like?"
Daniel remained silent.
Kelechi continued.
"You cannot expect Amara to put her entire life on hold because you're hoping she will come back."
"But I love her."
"Then respect her."
Daniel ended the call feeling frustrated.
Meanwhile, Amara sat in her room thinking about their conversation.
She did not want Daniel to become another source of stress in her life.
She had already suffered enough.
A message arrived from Michael.
Michael: Hope you're having a peaceful afternoon.
Amara: I am. Thank you. Hope yours is going well too.
Michael: It is. By the way, there's a book fair next weekend. Would you like to attend?
Amara smiled.
She enjoyed reading, and the invitation sounded interesting.
Amara: That sounds nice. I'll let you know.
She placed her phone down.
For the first time, she realised something important.
She was no longer waiting for Daniel to determine whether she could be happy.
And that frightened him more than he wanted to admit.