Chapter 16 – The Softest Thing

It had been two weeks since Demi's confession, but Khalid hadn’t asked for clarity or answers. Not even once. Instead, he gave her exactly what she hadn’t asked for but desperately needed - space, patience, and presence.

Not the performative kind. The real kind.

She noticed it in the small things. The way her favorite pastries from that one Lekki bakery showed up at her doorstep every Monday and Wednesday morning - her team meeting days. No note. Just the warm, flaky box and a prayer whispered in sugar.

The way Khalid stayed in the background of her day without ever feeling absent. He didn't press, didn't guilt, didn't withdraw. He just… existed. Quiet and consistent.

But what really tipped her off was Ayeesha.

Her supposed "random drop-ins" at Demi's office.

“Oh, I was just in the area.”

Or: “I needed your opinion on a scarf design.”

Lies. Sweet, terrible lies.

One day, Ayeesha casually handed her a fresh cold press juice and said, “You look like you haven’t been drinking enough water. Stay hydrated, baddie.”

And Demi realized: she was being watched. Not in a creepy way, but in a “we care about you and we’re trying to keep you afloat” way. It felt like scaffolding around a building everyone was terrified might collapse.

Khalid had bribed his sister. Or threatened her. She knew it in her gut. The man treats his relationship with his sister like it's a goddamn cartel deal.

And instead of being offended, Demi melted. Right into a puddle of guilt and love and so many emotions she couldn't even name.

Because how could someone be so gentle with her even when she was unsure of them?

Two week5 after the party. Two weeks after her entire identity had been cracked open over dessert and candlelight.

Khalid sent a simple text: "Hey. There’s a new café-slash-bookstore opening on Sunday. Want to check it out?"

She almost didn’t reply. Almost.

But her fingers moved before her brain caught up- Always happens when it comes to him.

“Sure. Noon?

---

The place was tucked into a quiet corner in Ikoyi, designed like a Pinterest board exploded—in the best way. Exposed wood, plants, low lighting, and the warm scent of cinnamon and new books. Lagos baddies have got a new hot photos location.

Demi walked in wearing a linen wrap dress layered over jeans, hijab pinned neatly in soft sage green, and lip balm that smelled like mango.

Khalid was already there. Casual in a white shirt and tan trousers, sleeves rolled, glasses on. Reading a book like a damn rom-com scene. This man…..

She sat across from him, trying not to smile too much. “You own this place, don’t you?”

His lips twitched. “I may have invested. Just a little.”

“You brought me here just to show off?”

“I brought you here because you like bookstores, quiet spaces, and aesthetically pleasing chairs.”

She rolled her eyes, but her heart did a weird flip. “You really need a hobby.”

“I have one,” he said, setting down his book. “You.”

They talked. About everything and nothing. About how Lagos traffic was an actual curse. About Zarah’s new pop-up shop. About Nikky’s Instagram war with a misogynistic senator.

And then, like he was asking about the weather, he nudged a small tote bag toward her.

Inside were three books:

🏵️ A poetry collection about healing.

🏵️ A funny, bite-sized memoir on therapy.

And a book titled

🏵️ “Why You’re Not Broken: Navigating Emotions and Growing Through Fear.”

She blinked. “Subtle.”

Khalid leaned forward, voice soft. “You’re allowed to need help, Demi. You carry a lot. You always have. You deserve to drop some of it.”

Her eyes stung.

“I’m not trying to fix you,” he added. “I just want you to feel like you don’t have to fix yourself alone.”

She stared at the books, then at him. She didn’t have words. Just this quiet ache in her chest that maybe, just maybe, love didn’t have to hurt or demand or shrink.

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Hello to my lovely new subscribers and temille. Welcome to my inner world and come along with me as we go on a journey. This is chapter 16 of “Even cowards fall in love”- I know my naming skills sucks, please don't come for me 😔- and I am super excited to have you here. Please if you haven't started from chapter. Kindly do, trust me it makes the series much easier to understand.

Also I try my possible hardest to upload by Saturday or latest Sunday, and if I have extra time during the week I also do. If by chance I miss a weekend, I always pay back with a double update. My week was super hectic so I'm sorry for the low enthusiasm welcome you received I promise to do better.

Okay my talk is getting longer than the story so lemme shut up.

Also if you notice anything different that's because I'm using my phone 😭😭😭 and its hardddddd