Who kill my Bestfriend?

Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 32

Oʀʟᴀɴᴅᴏ, FL 📍
Oᴄᴛᴏʙᴇʀ 16ᴛʜ

A month later...

Oᴍɴɪsᴄɪᴇɴᴛ

Imani's High Rise Apartments📍

A month had passed, and life was finally settling into something that felt normal again. Imani had returned to college, determined not to let the trauma of the past define her future. And today was a special day-she and Rayleigh were officially moving into their new luxury high-rise apartment.

Standing outside the sleek glass building, Imani exhaled, taking in the view of the Orlando skyline. The past month had been a whirlwind-therapy sessions, adjusting back to school, and dealing with the lingering whispers about her ordeal. But this? This felt like a fresh start.

Rayleigh nudged her playfully. "Girl, are you just gonna stand there, or are we actually moving in?"

Imani laughed, rolling her eyes. "I'm just taking it in. We finally made it, Ray."

"Damn right we did."

The elevator ride up to their new apartment felt surreal. When they stepped inside, the spacious living room greeted them with floor-to-ceiling windows, an open kitchen with marble countertops, and sleek modern furniture they had handpicked together.

Rayleigh twirled around dramatically.

"Hellooo, new life! Imani, can you believe this? We went from that tiny old apartment with the sketchy plumbing to this."

Imani grinned, running her fingers along the counter. "Yeah... it doesn't even feel real."

Rayleigh turned to her, softening. "You deserve this, Imani. After everything... you deserve happiness."

Imani swallowed the lump in her throat. "We both do."

Before they could get too emotional, a knock at the door interrupted them. When Imani opened it, she was greeted by Essence, Chandler, and Colton holding champagne and takeout bags.

"Housewarming party starts now!" Essence announced, stepping inside like she owned the place.

Chandler whistled, looking around. "Okay, this is way nicer than I expected."

Colton nodded in approval. "Y'all really leveled up."

Imani laughed, feeling warmth spread in her chest. She had survived the worst, and now, she was surrounded by people who loved her, in a place that felt safe.

As they popped open the champagne and settled onto the couch, Rayleigh raised her glass. "To new beginnings."

Imani clinked her glass against hers, smiling. "To finally living."

A few weeks after settling into her new apartment, Imani found herself in a new rhythm-one filled with love, ambition, and growth.

Marcus had been by her side every step of the way, proving time and time again that he wasn't going anywhere. Late-night talks on the balcony of her high-rise, spontaneous lunch dates between classes, and deep conversations about their future had become their new normal.

One evening, as they sat on her couch watching a movie, Marcus pulled her closer, his hand resting on her thigh. "You ever think about what's next for us?" he asked, his voice low.

Imani glanced up at him, smirking. "You mean besides me taking over the world?"

He chuckled. "Exactly that. I see you, Imani. Everything you've been through, everything you're building-you're unstoppable."