Wrong Injection

CHAPTER 24

I woke up, shielding my eyes from the morning sun streaming through my window. As I stretched, the soreness between my thighs brought last night's memories flooding back. I couldn't believe I'd slept with Sultan. A smile spread across my face, and I bit my bottom lip, feeling a flutter in my chest. But as I rolled over, expecting to see him beside me, my heart sank. He was gone. Again.

I froze, my lips parting in shock. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I knew Sultan had a reputation for leaving women without a word, but last night, he'd told me I was different. So why did he disappear without even a goodbye?

I was left reeling in shock and hurt, unable to comprehend why Sultan had abandoned me once more.
~~~
"Pass me the popcorn," Bella said, and I handed her the bowl as we watched a movie.

"Bella," I called out, getting her attention. then I took a deep breath before dropping the bombshell "I had sex with Sultan last night." Her eyes widened in shock, almost popping out of their sockets.

"For real?" she squealed and I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Yeah, I'm not a virgin anymore." I shrugged, trying to play it cool.

"Wow! Just wow!" She was practically bouncing up and down, dying to know more. I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment.

"Stop..." I whispered, laughing shyly.

"With news that amazing, I'm sleeping over tonight!" she declared, and my face lit up with a smile. I was thrilled she'd be spending her first night with me in my new home.

"For real?!" I asked, hardly believing my luck and she nodded enthusiastically. I let out a happy "Yay!" and then my stomach growled, reminding me it was time to eat. "Now, let's go cook something I'm starving!" I said.

After dinner, we settled back into the living room and continued watching the movie. But Bella soon noticed my distraction. "You're lost in thought, Lani, are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face. But I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.

"Yeah," I replied, trying to brush it off. But Bella wasn't convinced.

"Liar, is it Sultan?" she teased, eyes sparkling with curiosity. I shook my head, and she turned serious. "Hey, tell me, if he's the reason, I'll ask him to come over right away. I'm the one who gave him your address, sorry." She apologized, and I offered a small smile, already aware she'd shared my address.

"No, it's not him," I assured her.

"Then what's wrong? You're getting me worried." I took a deep breath before answering.

"Max."

"What about Max?" Bella asked, curiosity sparking in her voice.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, but the emotions spilled out anyway. "He's leaving for Germany today," I said, tears welling up in my eyes. "He's chasing his dream of becoming a lawyer, but look at me... I'm stuck. I have to put my own dreams on hold because of my baby." The words tumbled out in a sorrowful rush. "I'm always cooped up indoors, feeling useless. All I do is sleep, eat, and take the occasional stroll. I'm so tired, Bella... so fucking tired." The last words cracked with desperation, and I dissolved into tears.

"Lani, honey, listen to me," Bella said, her voice soft and soothing. "I'm not just your friend, I'm your sister too. Don't let things bottle up inside you without sharing them with me. It's not healthy for you or the baby." She paused, taking a deep breath. "Remember, you can always come to me for help. Don't hesitate to ask." I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"So, tell me, what do you want to do before the baby arrives?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and I shrugged.

"I'm okay with anything, Bel. I just want to keep myself busy." I said and her face lit up with a bright idea.

"You don't have to stress yourself in your condition. What if I open a restaurant for you?" she suggested, and my eyes widened in shock.

"What? Bella, this is too much!" I exclaimed, feeling overwhelmed. "No, no, I couldn't possibly accept that offer. Maybe I should just help Mom at her shop instead." Opening a restaurant for me was a staggering offer, even though Bella had the means to make it happen. It was just too much.

"I don't want anything less for you, Lani. I'll do everything in my power to make you happy. If you refuse this offer, you'll literally break my heart." Her gaze pleaded with me, and her smile warmed my soul. In that moment, I felt grateful and blessed to have Bella in my life. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds.

"Thank you, Bella," I said, my voice filled with emotion, as I hugged her tightly, feeling grateful for her love and support.