Hers to Love

Chapter 7

Maria had just stepped into the coffee shop, their usual spot, when she noticed Amir at the counter. A smile tugged at her lips, but it quickly faded when she saw who he was talking to. There, standing close to Amir, was a girl around his age. They were laughing, the kind of easy, natural laughter that had once made Maria feel so special.

She hesitated at the entrance, her heart sinking as she observed them. Amir looked so animated, his hands gesturing as he spoke, his eyes bright with the same enthusiasm he always showed when they talked. The girl leaned in, hanging on his every word, her smile wide and genuine.Maria's stomach tightened. She had always thought there was something unique between her and Amir, something that set their connection apart. But as she watched them now, doubt began to creep in. Was she really different to him? Or was this how he was with everyone?

She turned away, trying to shake off the unease that had settled over her. Maybe it was nothing—just a friendly conversation. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and it was growing rapidly, feeding off the insecurity she'd tried so hard to push aside.

Taking a deep breath, Maria walked to the counter, forcing a smile as she approached Amir. He looked up and saw her, his face lighting up with the same warmth she had grown accustomed to. "Maria! I was just talking about you."

The girl turned, offering Maria a friendly smile, but all Maria could manage was a polite nod. "Hi," she said, her voice sounding distant even to herself.

"This is Layla," Amir said, introducing the girl. "She's an old friend from school. Layla, this is Maria."

"Nice to meet you, Maria," Layla said, her tone friendly and open.

"Likewise," Maria replied, trying to keep her voice steady. But she couldn't help but notice the ease with which Amir and Layla interacted. It reminded her too much of how she and Amir were when they first started spending time together.

The three of them chatted for a few more minutes, but Maria couldn't shake the feeling of being on the outside looking in. Eventually, Layla excused herself, leaving Maria alone with Amir.

"So, how's your day been?" Amir asked, his smile still bright, but Maria found it hard to match his energy.

"It's been alright," she replied, keeping her tone neutral. "How about you?"

"Good! Just catching up with Layla. It's been ages since we last saw each other."Maria nodded, but her mind was elsewhere. She wanted to ask about Layla, about what she meant to him, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she forced a smile and changed the subject, pushing her doubts aside, at least for now.

As they settled into their usual routine, Maria couldn't help but feel a shift between them. She had met his family, spent time getting to know them, but now it all felt...ordinary. The excitement, the specialness she once felt, seemed to be slipping away, replaced by an uncomfortable uncertainty.

When she finally left the coffee shop that evening, Maria couldn't shake the nagging thought that perhaps she wasn't as important to Amir as she had believed. The connection she had once treasured now felt fragile, like it could break at any moment. And as much as she wanted to ignore it, that doubt had already started to take root, making her question everything she had come to feel for him.