Chapter 24

Xhani's POV

It has been a week since my abortion, and I feel so empty inside. A heavy guilt weighs on me, like I killed my baby. I haven't been to school or out with my friends. I've just been cooped up in my bedroom. Zain has been here, though. He's been trying to cheer me up, but honestly, it was his fault that I made the decision in the first place. I haven't been close to Zain lately—I've been putting distance between us.

Today is my doctor's appointment. I want to get a contraceptive implant so I won't risk getting pregnant again. I can't make the same mistake twice.

"Are you ready?" Zain asked, his eyes meeting mine in the vanity mirror.

"Yeah," I replied, searching his gaze, hoping to find any sign of remorse for what we did.

"Okay. I'll wait downstairs for you," he said, breaking eye contact.

"Why don't I just go alone?" I asked, my tone serious. Honestly, I wanted to be by myself.

Zain stopped in his tracks and turned around. He stared at me, waiting for me to take back my words. After a few moments of silence, he walked toward me, placing his hands firmly on my shoulders. His gaze bore into mine.

"Why? Don't you want me to be there with you?" he asked, his voice soft but tinged with sadness.

"No, it's not that. I just thought you'd be busy," I said, breaking eye contact.

I tried to brush off his hands and walk away, but he grabbed my wrist, halting me.

"Are you still blaming me for what happened?" His voice was low, almost pleading.

It's a sensitive topic for me, and Zain is the last person I want to open up to about my feelings.

"No, don't worry... Let's just go. We'll be late," I said, trying to suppress my emotions and avoid his piercing gaze.

---

We arrived at the hospital. The doctor handled all the paperwork, and the procedure went smoothly. Zain stayed by my side the entire time, offering comfort and support.

Just as we were about to leave the doctor's office, she asked a question that stopped me in my tracks.

"Why are you getting the contraceptive device?" she asked, smiling at me and Zain.

The question was simple and harmless, but it unearthed a flood of memories from last week. All the feelings I had been holding back came rushing in.

My eyes filled with tears as I looked down, closing them tightly, willing myself not to remember.

Zain quickly held my hand with his right and wrapped his left arm around my shoulders.

"Sorry, this is a sensitive topic for us," he answered, his voice steady but gentle.

The doctor gave us a concerned look but didn't push further. The conversation ended there.

Zain helped me up and brought us back home.

---

Zain moved in with me last week. He says he wants to be here for me every step of the way, but his presence only deepens my depression. I won't deny that he's been going above and beyond to help me, but part of me wishes he'd just leave me alone.