Hers to Love

Chapter 50

Maria was getting to her car when the unexpected happened. A forceful shove knocked her off balance, sending her crashing to the ground. Before she could react, she felt someone tackle her.

"Bitch, he's mine!" a voice snarled above her.

Maria recognized Dianne immediately, and despite the sudden assault, her instincts kicked in. She smirked, her usual composure returning. She wasn't the type to cower, even in the face of an ambush.

"Dianne," Maria growled, pushing back. "You picked the wrong day."

In one swift movement, Maria shifted her weight and caught Dianne off guard. She slapped her across the face, the sound echoing in the parking lot. Maria's lips curled into a smile, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

"What did I tell you, Dianne?" Maria said, her voice low and menacing.

But Dianne wasn't done. With a wild look in her eyes, she pulled out a knife. Before Maria could react, the blade slashed through the air. Maria tried to dodge, but the knife still grazed her side, a sharp pain spreading through her body.

A surge of fear ran through her—not for herself, but for her baby. Panic flooded her mind as she clutched her stomach. But she couldn't afford to freeze.

With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Maria swung her arm and hit Dianne hard in the throat. Dianne staggered back, gasping for air before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

Maria's breaths came in short gasps. She looked down at her side, blood seeping through her clothes. Her heart raced as she thought of the baby. She quickly retrieved her gun from her purse, aimed at Dianne's leg, and fired, making sure the woman wouldn't be able to run.

"That should keep you down," Maria muttered through gritted teeth as she dialed 911.

Within minutes, the sound of sirens filled the air. An ambulance and police arrived, taking both women in for treatment. Inside the ambulance, Maria clutched her side, her thoughts only on her unborn child.

She felt a wave of fear, more intense than the pain in her side. *Please, be okay,* she thought, holding her stomach protectively.

As the ambulance doors opened at the hospital, she suddenly saw familiar faces rushing toward her. Amir's family came running, their faces stricken with worry.

"Maria!" Amir's mother called, her voice trembling. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Amir's sisters were by her side in an instant, holding her hands, their concern palpable. "We were so worried about you!"

Maria tried to speak, but the pain and shock were too much. Just then, Amir appeared, his face pale and his eyes wide with fear. He pushed through his family, making his way to her.

"Maria..." Amir's voice cracked as he knelt beside her, his hands trembling as he gently touched her face. "I—I'm so sorry. I should've... I should've been there. Are you okay? Is the baby okay?"

Maria, shaken by both the attack and the sudden appearance of Amir and his family, stared at him for a moment. She could see the fear and regret in his eyes, his hands shaking as he reached for her.

Without thinking, she pulled him into a hug, clinging to him tightly as he wrapped his arms around her. "Amir..." she whispered, her voice shaky. "I was so scared."

Amir hugged her back, burying his face in her hair. "I was scared too. I thought I was going to lose you both. I can't... I can't lose you, Maria. I'm so sorry for everything."

Tears welled up in Maria's eyes as she held him tighter. "You didn't lose me," she whispered. "But... I need you here. I need you to stay."

"I'm not going anywhere," Amir promised, his voice filled with emotion. "I'll be here for you and our baby. I swear."

As the hospital staff rushed around them, tending to Maria's wounds, Amir's family stayed close, their worry evident but their relief palpable. For the first time, Maria felt a sense of peace in Amir's arms, despite everything that had happened.

She leaned her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. For now, in this moment, everything else faded away.
—-

After a few hours in the hospital, Maria was finally allowed to return home. The baby was safe, much to her immense relief. Amir hadn't left her side the entire time, his hand constantly on hers, as though afraid to let go. The moment they walked into her apartment, Maria felt a wave of exhaustion hit her, but she kept her head held high.

June arrived shortly after, his face a mix of worry and determination. He immediately took charge, making sure Dianne would face serious charges for what she'd done.

"Don't worry, Maria," June said, pacing in her living room. "Dianne's going to jail for this. I'll make sure she doesn't get away with anything." His tone was protective, almost brotherly, as it had always been.

"I know you will, June," Maria said with a tired smile. "Thank you for always looking out for me."

June softened at her words, glancing at Amir, who was sitting silently beside Maria, his eyes still haunted by what had happened. "You're like family to me, Maria. No one messes with you and gets away with it." He turned to Amir. "Make sure you take care of her, Amir. She's been through enough."

"I will," Amir said quietly, his voice filled with guilt. "I'm never leaving her side again."

After some time, Amir's family, who had come by to check on her, began to leave, offering warm hugs and promises to visit soon. Once they were gone, the apartment felt quieter, more intimate. Amir, still visibly shaken, sat down next to Maria on the couch, his hand finding hers again. He carefully wrapped his arms around her, mindful of her injuries, and held her close.

"I was so scared," Amir whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "When I heard what happened, my heart stopped. I thought I'd lose you... and the baby."

Maria looked up at him, her expression soft despite the exhaustion. "We're okay, Amir. We're both okay."

He kissed her forehead, lingering as though to reassure himself she was really there. "I'm sorry for everything, Maria. For not being there before. I promise I'll never leave you again."

Maria chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "You should've seen Dianne's face when I hit her in the throat. She wasn't expecting that," she said, her voice carrying a hint of pride.

Amir pulled back slightly, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. "Wait, what? You hit her?"

Maria smirked. "Of course I did. What did you expect? I wasn't just going to let her attack me. She may have had the upper hand for a second, but I took her down."

Amir stared at her for a moment, a mixture of shock and admiration in his eyes. Then, despite everything, he laughed softly. "You're unbelievable, Maria."

Maria shrugged playfully, but her eyes held a glint of satisfaction. "I told you, Amir. I'm no weakling. After she stabbed me, I hit her throat, and when she fainted, I made sure she wouldn't be running away."

Amir's brow furrowed with concern. "What do you mean?"

Maria's lips curled into a wicked smile. "I shot her in the leg, Amir. Made sure she stayed down until the police came."

Amir blinked in surprise, then laughed softly despite himself. "You're really something else, Maria."

She leaned against him, the tension easing from her body. "I don't need to be saved, Amir. I just need you by my side. That's all."

Amir hugged her gently again, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "I'm not going anywhere. Not ever again."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the weight of the day slowly lifting off their shoulders. For the first time in a long while, Maria felt safe, knowing Amir was there, and this time, he wouldn't leave.