LAH'

ll bright, but it felt like dusk in my mind. I could sense curious stares from people passing by, perhaps noticin

ce anyone-not yet. Today, everything that once made sense had fallen apart in a single blow. My life,

the excuses, the unexpected disappearances... my instincts had been screaming at me that something was wrong. But each time, I'd silenced them,

bles until I spotted an empty one tucked into a quiet corner. I sank into the seat, resting my bag beside

ed, my voice bre

ling you for hours!" Tyra's voice was laced with worry,

as tears threatened to spill again. How could I exp

ntly, but I couldn't answer, so I nodde

d, though we both

you're not okay. Where are you

café we like," I replied,

n my way," she sai

he call, her eyes kind as she asked, "W

e," I replied, for

, but she didn't press further. Instead, she returned a few moments later

from Jackson lit up the screen, and I couldn't help but read it once more. He

All I needed right now was Tyra, and thankfully, I didn't have to wait long. Not ten

ng me into a hug the moment she

ut a bitter laugh. "Trust m

tling into the seat across from

right all along, Tyra. Jackson... he's

n an instant. "That bastard! I always had a

to him for not visiting him all this while. He even gave me a late birthday gift, and for a moment, I thoug

the table to squeeze my hand, her touch

reath, trying to

at weren't mine. I wanted to believe there was some expla

, I'm so sorry. And you never thought t

being insecure. I didn't want to seem paranoid." The words t

uestion it! You already had e

t to believe it, Tyra. I loved him too much. I

"Kelilah, love should never make you feel li

s phone-from a gynecologist. I think he was... he was trying to have a baby with her." I

, so he was planning a fam

d I was still holding onto some shred of

him the moment you saw those messages

didn't want to

and tightening. "So, what finally ma

called me Five days ago. She said she wanted to meet. I almost d

ened. "And? Did

t a bitter taste in my mouth. "I was so blind, Tyra. I convinced myself he was my future, my happily ever after. When I met with h

e again. My whole world ha

" Lisa's voice was

that was presented to you. What now suddenly made you

I couldn't help the mirth l

Kelilah was the mistress flirting with a married man", I said in

es wen

he asked and I nodded weak

ther hug, her voice ch

are not to blame. He deceive

d myself to grieve not just for the loss of him, but for the years of trust I h