Hers to Love

Chapter 48

Amir sat across from Dianne, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. The air between them felt tense, almost suffocating. He had already told her what he needed to say, but Dianne's eyes burned with anger.

"So that's it?" Dianne hissed, crossing her arms. "You're just going to stay with Maria? Even after everything?"

Amir exhaled, rubbing his temples. "I told you, Dianne. I'm not leaving her. I have to be there for her and the baby."

"You don't *have* to stay with her," Dianne snapped, her voice growing sharper. "You can take care of the baby without pretending you want to be with her."

Amir's jaw clenched, and he looked directly at her. "It's not pretending. I care about her, Dianne. I'm not going to walk away from Maria or my child."

Dianne's face twisted in frustration. "Care about her? Or is it just guilt? You can't even look me in the eye when you say that!"

Amir looked down, but he held firm. "This is my decision. I can't do this with you anymore, Dianne. It's over."

Dianne stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "Fine," she spat. "But don't think this is the end. You'll regret it, Amir." She stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

---

Later that day, Dianne found herself standing in front of Maria's office. Her fists were clenched at her sides, her mind racing with thoughts of how to handle this. If she couldn't convince Amir, she'd make Maria doubt him. She was sure of it.

As she pushed open the door, she saw Maria behind her desk, reviewing a thick stack of legal papers. Maria glanced up, her expression unreadable but calm.

"Dianne," Maria said, leaning back in her chair. "What brings you here?"

Dianne stepped forward, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I thought we should have a little chat. About Amir."

Maria's eyebrow arched slightly, but she said nothing, waiting for Dianne to continue.

"I just think," Dianne said, her tone turning colder, "you should know what you're getting yourself into. Amir isn't the man you think he is. He's confused, unsure of what he really wants. Do you honestly think he'll stay loyal to you, especially with that baby coming?"

Maria's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her posture relaxed, tapping a pen lightly against her desk. "And you think it's your place to tell me this? Why?"

Dianne smirked, leaning in as if she was about to drop a bombshell. "I'm just trying to save you from wasting your time. Amir's been talking to me, you know. He's said things... things that would make any woman question whether he's really committed. Maybe you should think twice before trusting him so much."

Maria's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Oh, really? Is that what you came here to do? Threaten me with vague stories and try to get in my head?"

Dianne's confidence wavered for a second. "I'm not threatening you, Maria. I'm just saying—"

"No, Dianne," Maria interrupted, her voice steady but sharp. "You're trying to manipulate me. But you see, I don't have time for your little games. I deal with far more dangerous people on a daily basis than you. You're not going to make me doubt Amir or my decisions."

Dianne blinked, thrown off by Maria's calm defiance. "You think you're untouchable?"

Maria leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "I know I am. I'm not some naive woman you can intimidate. I've faced worse. So, if you think you can scare me or push me to doubt Amir, you're wasting your time. You're the one who's scared. Because you know, deep down, that you've already lost him."

Dianne stood there, speechless for a moment, her fists trembling with frustration.

Maria tilted her head. "Now, if you don't mind, I've got work to do. And if you ever come here again trying to stir up trouble, you'll find out exactly why I have a reputation for winning fights."

Dianne, her face flushed with anger, turned on her heel and stormed out, the sound of the door slamming echoing through the office. Maria sat back in her chair, exhaling softly before picking up her pen and returning to her work, unbothered.