💔 NEVER LET GO – EPISODE THIRTY SIX: “A Heart Running Out of Patience”
Stanley’s eyes burned with an intensity that could have ignited fire. The moment Cindy’s words fell into the air, his body tensed, every muscle coiling like a spring ready to snap.
“It is simple,” he said again, his voice low, firm, carrying the weight of a man who had been broken by absence and betrayal alike.
“I am going to get my woman back. And for Stacey… she will learn what it means to touch fire.”
Cindy’s lips parted slightly, but her eyes remained steady, unwavering. “Stanley… it is not that simple. It is not going to happen today. I cannot travel back to Lagos immediately," she said softly. "Brianna and I already had a place to go together after her party, and that is tomorrow. It is important to her. I promised I would go.”
Stanley stared at her, disbelief painted across his features.
“How can I bear another day without her?” His voice cracked.
“Tomorrow is too far,” he said further, his voice breaking. “Do you know how long one day feels when your heart has been starving for weeks? I do not know if I can survive till tomorrow night.”
He stepped closer, desperation clinging to him like smoke.
“Cindy please. Just this once, break the promise. Tell your friend that you have something more important," Stanley pressed forward, pacing about, his mind a torrent of pleas and desperate reasoning. “I can speak to her… anything! I can make her let us leave tonight. I… I can do whatever it takes.Take me to Ivy today. I am begging you.”
Cindy shook her head slowly.
“No Stanley. I am loyal. Brianna has stood by me through thick and thin. I will not break my word just because your emotions are high. Ivy would understand that too. We will go tomorrow as planned.”
Mark, sensing the rising storm, stepped closer.
“Stan, calm down. You have already endured more than anyone should. One day will not break you. Let it pass, and you will see her tomorrow. Trust me.”
Stanley’s lips pressed together, his eyes flickered with irritation as a flush of frustration swept over him.
“You do not understand this, Mark,” he snapped. “You did not love her the way I do. I can even go and beg Brianna myself to please let Cindy and I leave immediately. I could still make her know...”
“No, Stanley,” Mark cut in, his voice gentle but firm. “Do not make this more difficult than it already is. Don't be selfish with your love. One day, nothing more. That is all.”
"Please, Mark. Cindy, please do this for me. Just this one request," Stanley persisted desperately.
“It is still not happening,” Cindy repeated, unshaken.
Before the tension could grow any heavier, Mrs Grace came closer to her son, holding his arm.
“My child, take it easy. The girl is alive. Is that not enough for peace of mind tonight?” she said gently. “Let God settle the rest tomorrow.”
Bianca nodded eagerly. “Yes Stanley. Calm your spirit. Ivy is safe. That is what matters for now.”
Even Nkechi, filled with excitement, tried to lighten the moment.
“If it is food that will calm you down, I will cook your favorite native soup this evening, so you will feel better,” she said playfully.
Stanley turned to her with a look that was neither harsh nor amused. It was a look of a man suspended between love and madness.
“The only food I want right now is Ivy,” he said anxiously.
Nkechi burst into laughter, but quickly hushed herself when she saw the seriousness in his eyes.
Stanley's mind, always a battlefield, now drifted toward the thoughts of Stacey and her wicked girls. Images of revenge formed and vanished as quickly as they came. His hands clenched. His jaw tightened. He imagined them paying for every ounce of terror they had inflicted on Ivy. The fire inside him surged, demanding action. Another part of him itched for justice, but before the anger could swallow him again, a new thought struck him...
He stopped in front of Cindy.
“I have not even thanked you,” he said quietly.
“And I owe you an apology,” he added.
Everyone watched him as he inhaled deeply.
“I am sorry for the way I shouted at you at Brianna’s party. I embarrassed you. I poured my anger on someone innocent. I even blamed you for a wine stain that meant nothing compared to what you did for the woman I love. I am truly sorry, Cindy.”
Cindy's eyes softened.
“And beyond that,” Stanley continued, his voice thick with emotion, “thank you. Thank you for pulling her away from that man in Lagos. Thank you for giving her a home when she had none. Thank you for wiping her tears, for feeding her, for protecting her when I failed to be there. Thank you for being her sister when the world turned its back on her. You saved my Ivy. You saved my heart.”
He reached into his pocket and slowly brought out his phone.
“I want to send you ten million naira. Or twenty. Or more. Name your price. Just let me show you how grateful I am.”
Cindy chuckled, almost moved to tears.
“Stanley, keep your money. I did what any sister would do for her sister. Ivy is like a sister to me. She is the sister I never had. I did not save Ivy because of payment. No money could ever repay that. All she needed was love. And love cannot be bought."
Mark, ever the tease, leaned forward, a playful glint in his eyes. “Stan, stop trying to bribe my woman. She is not like those your former lovers that counted your money before counting your heart. She's not materialistic.”
Stanley exhaled slowly, understanding the tease but unable to let go entirely. “Then tell me… what can I do? What would make you feel my gratitude, Cindy?”
Cindy smiled. Her eyes softened, her voice gentle.
"All I want you to do for me is to calm down. Stop worrying about Ivy for now. Eat well, keep your body strong and look healthier when Ivy finally sees you again. That will be more than enough for me.”
Everyone laughed softly, warmth settling in the room at last.
Nkechi, mischievous as ever, smirked. “As if Cindy knows you have been starving yourself for weeks now. I cannot even remember the last time my brother finished a balanced meal.”
“Enough,” Stanley warned, shooting her a look.
Then he turned back to Cindy. “I will eat well,” he said firmly, “but as for not thinking about Ivy… I cannot promise that. She is the only thought I have.”
Mrs Grace, breaking into a gentle smile, turned to Nkechi. “Go, serve the food for everyone,” she said.
But Mark cleared his throat. “Ma, I was hoping to take Cindy out this evening.”
“No,” Mrs Grace replied firmly. “You will eat first.”
Cindy, with a polite smile, nodded. “It is okay, Mark. We can eat.”
They all gathered around the dining table. As the plates were served, Bianca and Nkechi began to reminisce.
“Ivy was really very shy when my brother first brought her to our house,” Bianca said. “She could not even look at Stanley in the eyes.”
“Yes, and she used to apologize for everything,” Nkechi added. “Even for things that were not her fault.”
Cindy listened with interest. “She is not like that anymore. Ivy is bold now. She speaks her mind. She knows her worth.”
Stanley’s heart tightened as he felt threatened.
“Are you sure she still… loves me?”
Cindy looked at him deeply. “She loves you. More than you know. Don't ever doubt it.”
He exhaled sharply, relieved.
“Give me her number,” he pleaded again.
“I told you my phone is gone,” she reminded him.
“Rest, brother,” Mark added. “Do not drive yourself mad.”
Time passed, food was eaten, laughter had softened the tension, but Stanley’s mind remained sharp, calculating. He walked Cindy and Mark to their car, thanking her once again, his gratitude deep and genuine.
“You have apologized enough,” Cindy said, smiling.
“When do we leave for Lagos tomorrow?” Stanley asked all of a sudden to be sure.
“Tomorrow afternoon or evening,” she confirmed.
Mark hesitated. “Cindy dear, must you go so soon? Stay a little longer with me. After all these years, I do not want you to disappear again. Let's bond a little please.”
Stanley’s tone almost snapped. “Do not even start that conversation, Mark. Do not stand between me and my woman. You can even follow us to Lagos if you want to spend more time with Cindy. What's it with all this childish talks?”
"Wise man, well done oo. But you miss Ivy like crazy, and you want me not to miss my own woman? Aren't we both fighting for the same goal?" Mark said defensively.
Cindy hurriedly stepped in. “Stanley, please calm down. And Mark, do not worry. We have exchanged numbers. We will be in touch every day.”
She turned back to Stanley. “And promise me again you will eat and take care of yourself. Mark told me you have been destroying your body with alcohol.”
A small fear crossed his eyes as Cindy continued;
"Try to eat well please. I don't think Ivy might accept you in a poor state…”
Stanley shivered at the words, fear of losing Ivy piercing through him. “I promise,” he said, voice low but firm, “I will change. I will be ready for her.”
“Good,” she smiled. “Ivy deserves a strong man.”
When Mark finally drove off with Cindy beside him, silence swept the compound again. But this time, it was not sadness. It was fury. Stanley’s eyes darkened with fury as thoughts of Stacey returned. He knew her well. He had walked alongside her for years. The pain she inflicted on Ivy and him would not go unanswered.
Stanley clenched his jaw.
“Stacey,” he muttered.
He pulled out his phone from his pocket, his fingers moving decisively. He placed a call to someone who knew Stacey even better than he did. “Find out if Stacey still lives where she used to. If not, trace her. I want to know her whereabouts, her girls… and I want them brought to justice."
His eyes darkened.
“They are going to prison. Hard labor. By tomorrow, I want results.”
He ended the call and stared into the night, his heart burning with two powerful forces:
Love for Ivy. And revenge for Stacey.
To Be Continued ✍️ ✍️ ✍️ #NeverLetGo #Episode36 #APromiseOnFire #StanleyAndIvy #CindyTheSavior #MarkAndCindy #LoveAndLoyalty #FamilyMoments #ReunionAwaiting #StaceyMustPay #JusticeIsComing #TomorrowEvening #EmotionalSeries #WritersOfFacebook #NeverLetGoStory
Stanley’s eyes burned with an intensity that could have ignited fire. The moment Cindy’s words fell into the air, his body tensed, every muscle coiling like a spring ready to snap.
“It is simple,” he said again, his voice low, firm, carrying the weight of a man who had been broken by absence and betrayal alike.
“I am going to get my woman back. And for Stacey… she will learn what it means to touch fire.”
Cindy’s lips parted slightly, but her eyes remained steady, unwavering. “Stanley… it is not that simple. It is not going to happen today. I cannot travel back to Lagos immediately," she said softly. "Brianna and I already had a place to go together after her party, and that is tomorrow. It is important to her. I promised I would go.”
Stanley stared at her, disbelief painted across his features.
“How can I bear another day without her?” His voice cracked.
“Tomorrow is too far,” he said further, his voice breaking. “Do you know how long one day feels when your heart has been starving for weeks? I do not know if I can survive till tomorrow night.”
He stepped closer, desperation clinging to him like smoke.
“Cindy please. Just this once, break the promise. Tell your friend that you have something more important," Stanley pressed forward, pacing about, his mind a torrent of pleas and desperate reasoning. “I can speak to her… anything! I can make her let us leave tonight. I… I can do whatever it takes.Take me to Ivy today. I am begging you.”
Cindy shook her head slowly.
“No Stanley. I am loyal. Brianna has stood by me through thick and thin. I will not break my word just because your emotions are high. Ivy would understand that too. We will go tomorrow as planned.”
Mark, sensing the rising storm, stepped closer.
“Stan, calm down. You have already endured more than anyone should. One day will not break you. Let it pass, and you will see her tomorrow. Trust me.”
Stanley’s lips pressed together, his eyes flickered with irritation as a flush of frustration swept over him.
“You do not understand this, Mark,” he snapped. “You did not love her the way I do. I can even go and beg Brianna myself to please let Cindy and I leave immediately. I could still make her know...”
“No, Stanley,” Mark cut in, his voice gentle but firm. “Do not make this more difficult than it already is. Don't be selfish with your love. One day, nothing more. That is all.”
"Please, Mark. Cindy, please do this for me. Just this one request," Stanley persisted desperately.
“It is still not happening,” Cindy repeated, unshaken.
Before the tension could grow any heavier, Mrs Grace came closer to her son, holding his arm.
“My child, take it easy. The girl is alive. Is that not enough for peace of mind tonight?” she said gently. “Let God settle the rest tomorrow.”
Bianca nodded eagerly. “Yes Stanley. Calm your spirit. Ivy is safe. That is what matters for now.”
Even Nkechi, filled with excitement, tried to lighten the moment.
“If it is food that will calm you down, I will cook your favorite native soup this evening, so you will feel better,” she said playfully.
Stanley turned to her with a look that was neither harsh nor amused. It was a look of a man suspended between love and madness.
“The only food I want right now is Ivy,” he said anxiously.
Nkechi burst into laughter, but quickly hushed herself when she saw the seriousness in his eyes.
Stanley's mind, always a battlefield, now drifted toward the thoughts of Stacey and her wicked girls. Images of revenge formed and vanished as quickly as they came. His hands clenched. His jaw tightened. He imagined them paying for every ounce of terror they had inflicted on Ivy. The fire inside him surged, demanding action. Another part of him itched for justice, but before the anger could swallow him again, a new thought struck him...
He stopped in front of Cindy.
“I have not even thanked you,” he said quietly.
“And I owe you an apology,” he added.
Everyone watched him as he inhaled deeply.
“I am sorry for the way I shouted at you at Brianna’s party. I embarrassed you. I poured my anger on someone innocent. I even blamed you for a wine stain that meant nothing compared to what you did for the woman I love. I am truly sorry, Cindy.”
Cindy's eyes softened.
“And beyond that,” Stanley continued, his voice thick with emotion, “thank you. Thank you for pulling her away from that man in Lagos. Thank you for giving her a home when she had none. Thank you for wiping her tears, for feeding her, for protecting her when I failed to be there. Thank you for being her sister when the world turned its back on her. You saved my Ivy. You saved my heart.”
He reached into his pocket and slowly brought out his phone.
“I want to send you ten million naira. Or twenty. Or more. Name your price. Just let me show you how grateful I am.”
Cindy chuckled, almost moved to tears.
“Stanley, keep your money. I did what any sister would do for her sister. Ivy is like a sister to me. She is the sister I never had. I did not save Ivy because of payment. No money could ever repay that. All she needed was love. And love cannot be bought."
Mark, ever the tease, leaned forward, a playful glint in his eyes. “Stan, stop trying to bribe my woman. She is not like those your former lovers that counted your money before counting your heart. She's not materialistic.”
Stanley exhaled slowly, understanding the tease but unable to let go entirely. “Then tell me… what can I do? What would make you feel my gratitude, Cindy?”
Cindy smiled. Her eyes softened, her voice gentle.
"All I want you to do for me is to calm down. Stop worrying about Ivy for now. Eat well, keep your body strong and look healthier when Ivy finally sees you again. That will be more than enough for me.”
Everyone laughed softly, warmth settling in the room at last.
Nkechi, mischievous as ever, smirked. “As if Cindy knows you have been starving yourself for weeks now. I cannot even remember the last time my brother finished a balanced meal.”
“Enough,” Stanley warned, shooting her a look.
Then he turned back to Cindy. “I will eat well,” he said firmly, “but as for not thinking about Ivy… I cannot promise that. She is the only thought I have.”
Mrs Grace, breaking into a gentle smile, turned to Nkechi. “Go, serve the food for everyone,” she said.
But Mark cleared his throat. “Ma, I was hoping to take Cindy out this evening.”
“No,” Mrs Grace replied firmly. “You will eat first.”
Cindy, with a polite smile, nodded. “It is okay, Mark. We can eat.”
They all gathered around the dining table. As the plates were served, Bianca and Nkechi began to reminisce.
“Ivy was really very shy when my brother first brought her to our house,” Bianca said. “She could not even look at Stanley in the eyes.”
“Yes, and she used to apologize for everything,” Nkechi added. “Even for things that were not her fault.”
Cindy listened with interest. “She is not like that anymore. Ivy is bold now. She speaks her mind. She knows her worth.”
Stanley’s heart tightened as he felt threatened.
“Are you sure she still… loves me?”
Cindy looked at him deeply. “She loves you. More than you know. Don't ever doubt it.”
He exhaled sharply, relieved.
“Give me her number,” he pleaded again.
“I told you my phone is gone,” she reminded him.
“Rest, brother,” Mark added. “Do not drive yourself mad.”
Time passed, food was eaten, laughter had softened the tension, but Stanley’s mind remained sharp, calculating. He walked Cindy and Mark to their car, thanking her once again, his gratitude deep and genuine.
“You have apologized enough,” Cindy said, smiling.
“When do we leave for Lagos tomorrow?” Stanley asked all of a sudden to be sure.
“Tomorrow afternoon or evening,” she confirmed.
Mark hesitated. “Cindy dear, must you go so soon? Stay a little longer with me. After all these years, I do not want you to disappear again. Let's bond a little please.”
Stanley’s tone almost snapped. “Do not even start that conversation, Mark. Do not stand between me and my woman. You can even follow us to Lagos if you want to spend more time with Cindy. What's it with all this childish talks?”
"Wise man, well done oo. But you miss Ivy like crazy, and you want me not to miss my own woman? Aren't we both fighting for the same goal?" Mark said defensively.
Cindy hurriedly stepped in. “Stanley, please calm down. And Mark, do not worry. We have exchanged numbers. We will be in touch every day.”
She turned back to Stanley. “And promise me again you will eat and take care of yourself. Mark told me you have been destroying your body with alcohol.”
A small fear crossed his eyes as Cindy continued;
"Try to eat well please. I don't think Ivy might accept you in a poor state…”
Stanley shivered at the words, fear of losing Ivy piercing through him. “I promise,” he said, voice low but firm, “I will change. I will be ready for her.”
“Good,” she smiled. “Ivy deserves a strong man.”
When Mark finally drove off with Cindy beside him, silence swept the compound again. But this time, it was not sadness. It was fury. Stanley’s eyes darkened with fury as thoughts of Stacey returned. He knew her well. He had walked alongside her for years. The pain she inflicted on Ivy and him would not go unanswered.
Stanley clenched his jaw.
“Stacey,” he muttered.
He pulled out his phone from his pocket, his fingers moving decisively. He placed a call to someone who knew Stacey even better than he did. “Find out if Stacey still lives where she used to. If not, trace her. I want to know her whereabouts, her girls… and I want them brought to justice."
His eyes darkened.
“They are going to prison. Hard labor. By tomorrow, I want results.”
He ended the call and stared into the night, his heart burning with two powerful forces:
Love for Ivy. And revenge for Stacey.
To Be Continued ✍️ ✍️ ✍️ #NeverLetGo #Episode36 #APromiseOnFire #StanleyAndIvy #CindyTheSavior #MarkAndCindy #LoveAndLoyalty #FamilyMoments #ReunionAwaiting #StaceyMustPay #JusticeIsComing #TomorrowEvening #EmotionalSeries #WritersOfFacebook #NeverLetGoStory
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