Unbound

In the heart of Lagos Surulere, a bustling area in Lagos, Nigeria, lived Akintola, a talented product designer with an unwavering respect for women. He embodied the virtues of a proper Yoruba man, steeped in tradition and honor, and carried the essence of a romantic soul.

Akintola's life was a tapestry of dreams woven together by the threads of his passion for design and an unyielding longing for love. Every day in the colorful chaos of Lagos, he yearned for a love that would be as vibrant as the city itself, a love that would capture his heart and soul.

The catalyst for this journey arrived in the form of a wedding invitation. On the 10th of November 2017, Akintola was invited to the wedding of an old schoolmate and even though they hadn't spoken in a long time, he decided to honor the invitation after all it was an owambe, and Amala and Party Jollof would be surplus, who can say NO to that?

It promised a celebration of love and commitment that transcended cultures and generations. Dressed in his latest traditional attire, Akintola arrived at the venue.

There, amidst the kaleidoscope of colors and the melodies of traditional music, he saw her. Lola, a vision of grace and elegance, stood under a canopy of flowers, radiating a magnetic charm that drew him toward her like a moth to a flame. As their eyes met, the world around them faded into obscurity, leaving only the two hearts entwined by destiny.

The next two years of their love story were a testament to the beauty of companionship. Akintola was a true romantic, and he spared no effort in wooing Lola. He planned surprise dates, visited her often with her favorite Amala from her favorite spot, did everything he knew how to ensure she was his and Lola being a romantic fell for him in no time

Their love was a canvas painted with vibrant hues of passion and understanding. They cherished evening walks through the charming streets of Surulere, where the city's vibrant energy melded with the tranquility of the night. Hand in hand, they explored the nooks and crannies of the neighborhood, sharing dreams of a future filled with love and laughter.

Akintola adored Lola, and the feeling was mutual. She respected his creative spirit, his unwavering respect for women, and his dedication to his craft. Together, they wove a love story that was the envy of many.

But, as it often happens in life, there were trials that would test the strength of their love. On the 22nd of January 2019, the first trial came. Akintola felt a lump in his breast region and being a health-conscious guy, he went to see his doctor the next day. After some tests, his doctor referred him to an oncologist in the same hospital. He was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer. Akintola's initial reaction was shock. Breast cancer, a disease often associated with women, was a rare occurrence in men. He grappled with a whirlwind of emotions, from fear to disbelief, as he tried to come to terms with his diagnosis. The demands of treatment loomed before him, like an ominous cloud threatening to engulf his life.

The first phase of his treatment was surgery. Akintola underwent a mastectomy to remove the cancerous tissue. The scars on his chest served as a constant reminder of the battle he was waging. Physically, the procedure left him weak, and he struggled with the loss of a part of himself. Chemotherapy followed, bringing with it a barrage of side effects. Akintola's body bore the brunt of the treatment; nausea, fatigue, and hair loss became daily companions. He watched as his once healthy physique withered under the weight of the disease and its cure.

But it wasn't just the physical toll that weighed on him; the emotional demands were equally daunting. He had always been a strong guy, the one who helped people in times of need, he was not used to vulnerability. Now, he was faced with the vulnerability of his own mortality, a realization that was as humbling as it was painful. This scared him and he tried his very best to push everybody away but strongly and stubbornly beside him was Lola who was so supportive and caring throughout this period.

Months turned into a year, and he completed his chemotherapy. His body slowly regained its strength, though he would forever carry the scars of his battle. Routine checkups and scans became part of his life, a reminder that cancer was not something he could entirely leave behind.

Akintola and Lola tried to revive the lost part of their relationship which the Cancer took away but it didn't feel like the beginning anymore. Akintola became more engrossed in his work and Lola after trying for a while to get his attention and assurance again started giving attention to online admirers.

Their evening walks, once a ritual of love and connection, became scarce, replaced by the cold embrace of exhaustion and distant responsibilities. Unknown to them, the seeds of discontent had been sown.

Amidst the chaos of their individual struggles, the cold fangs of unfaithfulness began to creep into their relationship. A moment of weakness led to a betrayal that neither of them could have anticipated. It was a breach of trust that shook the very foundation of their love.

One evening, as they sat under the stars, their voices quivered with the weight of unspoken truths. Akintola, his heart heavy with guilt, confessed his infidelity. Lola, her eyes filled with tears, revealed her own betrayal. The silence that followed was deafening, punctuated only by the shattered remnants of their love.

In the end, they realized that love, while a powerful force, was not enough to mend the broken pieces of their hearts. The trials of sickness, job demands, and unfaithfulness had fractured their once-unbreakable bond.

With heavy hearts, they made the painful decision to part ways, recognizing that the love they once shared had been tarnished beyond repair. Akintola watched Lola walk away, her graceful figure disappearing into the night, and he couldn't help but feel the weight of their lost dreams and shattered trust.

In the aftermath of their breakup, Akintola embarked on a journey of self-reflection and healing. He understood that love, though beautiful, was not infallible. It required trust, communication, and unwavering commitment to withstand the trials of life.

As the years went by, Akintola would carry the scars of their failed love as a reminder that love, while an essential foundation, was not the sole pillar upon which a lasting relationship was built. He learned that sometimes, even the most beautiful love stories could be marred by the harsh realities of life and leaving behind shattered hearts