Chapter 26

Xhani's POV

It's been a month since my abortion, and I've taken Ziya's advice. I've stopped dwelling on what happened and started focusing on my studies and personal growth. I'm even thinking about starting my own business after I finish school.

I used to be one of the top students, but I fell so far behind after everything. Ziya has been spending a lot of time helping me catch up. I've also started attending sports classes and going to the gym. It's been amazing. I feel stronger, healthier, and more like myself again.

"Damn, girl," Ziya says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"You look sexy in that gym outfit," she teases, giving me an exaggerated once-over.

I can't help but blush a little. I'm standing in front of the gym's full-length mirror in the changing room, fixing my hair.

I'm wearing nude, skintight shorts and a matching sports bra, paired with white knee-high socks and white Converse. The outfit flatters my curves, and my confidence soars as I admire my reflection.

"I feel like a sweaty tomato, and I stink," I reply, peeling off my gym clothes to take a quick shower.

"Why don't we just go home and shower? I'm starving, and I hate these gym showers. The water stops every ten seconds; I can't even enjoy it," she complains, taking selfies with her phone.

"Oh, come on. I can't walk around like this—I'm drenched in sweat," I protest.

"Okay, fine. You shower here, and I'll head home. Let's meet tonight at 9?" she says, still focused on her phone.

"Done," I reply, stepping into the shower.

After showering, I slip into black shorts and a white crop top, leaving my damp hair loose. I pair the outfit with fresh white socks and sandals. As I leave the gym, I feel the stares from every guy I pass. The attention makes me uncomfortable, so I keep my head down and walk quickly to my car.

Once inside, I take a deep breath. I hate the way those stares make me feel—like I'm on display. Shaking it off, I start the engine and drive home.

When I pull into the driveway, I notice Zain's car parked outside. He's home. I head inside and find him sitting on the couch, glued to the TV, playing video games.

"Hey, I'm home," I announce.

Zain doesn't respond—he's too absorbed in the game, yelling into his headset. It seems like he's in the middle of an intense match.

I know how to get his attention. Smirking, I walk in front of the TV, making sure to pop my hips slightly. He loves my booty, and I know it'll distract him.

As soon as his eyes lock onto me, he tosses the controller aside and rushes over, wrapping his arms around me from behind. I giggle in his embrace and turn my face toward him.

"Finally, someone's giving me attention," I tease, still laughing.

"How could I not pay attention to the most beautiful woman in front of me?" he says, his hands sliding down to firmly grab my ass.

"Oh, the most beautiful woman, huh? Was it me or my peaches that got your attention?" I tease, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Zain leans in, and before I know it, his lips are on mine. He kisses me deeply, with so much passion that I can't help but respond. I open my mouth for him, allowing him to explore.

RING! RING! RING!

Our moment is interrupted by my phone. I pull away from Zain's embrace and run to the kitchen to grab it.

"Hey, David, what's up?" I answer, trying to sound casual.

From across the room, I feel Zain's burning gaze. He hates David. He hates how close we are. But David is my best friend, and I can't just cut him out of my life. Zain has been trying to tolerate it, but it's clear he's struggling.

"Hey, babe. What are you doing tonight?" David asks, his voice light and cheerful.

"Not much. Ziya and I were thinking about going out tonight. Why?" I reply, sensing he has something planned.

"Let's go to shisha tonight. Everyone's getting together—it'll be fun," he says eagerly.

"Sure, what time?"

"We're heading there at 8, in about two hours."

"Okay, great. Ziya and I will meet you there. See you soon," I say, hanging up.

I glance over at Zain, whose disapproving glare says it all. Ignoring him, I walk over and stand in front of him, trying to get him to look at me. But instead of responding, he shoves me aside with one strong arm.

I fall onto the couch, stunned. My heart races. Zain has never used physical force before. I sit there for a moment, trying to process what just happened.

Tears well up in my eyes, and I quickly wipe them away before running upstairs to my room. I slam the door behind me, my emotions spiraling.