Wrong Injection

CHAPTER 47

A week had passed since Sultan stopped calling and visiting, consumed by Veronica's and their unborn baby's critical condition. I understood his devastation, but his complete silence hurt. I had tried reaching out, hoping to offer some words of encouragement, but he ignored my calls. Sultan's actions were taking a toll on me, and I didn't know how to navigate the situation. Our relationship had never been smooth sailing, and this was just another bump in the road. I wished I could turn back time and start over, but that was impossible. The weight of it all was crushing me, and I felt powerless to change the course of events.

"For the hundredth time, he didn't answer," I complained to Bella over the phone, frustration and worry boiling over.

"Lani, you need to calm down," she said, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of being ignored.

"Why am I being punished for nothing?" I asked, tears welling up in my eyes. "I just want to know if he's okay, to tell him to stay strong because everything will be alright," I sobbed softly.

Bella's voice was soothing. "I'm on my way honey." True to her word, she walked into my office less than 15 minutes later, enveloping me in a warm hug.

"I just want to talk to him, make sure he's okay," I said, tears streaming down my face as I buried it in Bella's shoulder.

She wrapped her arms around me, whispering, "I'm sorry," before gently kissing my forehead. "He's not doing great right now, but he's holding on," she said softly. I pulled back, looking up at her with pleading eyes.

"Why doesn't he want to talk to me?" Bella's expression was sympathetic.

"Sultan's traumatized, Lani. Veronica and the baby's lives are hanging in the balance, and it's taking a toll on him. He's devastated, broken. He's barely eaten, hasn't been to work in days... Gabby said he's being monitored because of the risk of harming himself. He's on medication, and he needs time to heal. Just give him some space, okay?" Her words painted a vivid picture of Sultan's struggles, and I felt a pang of sorrow. I had no idea he was going through so much.

"He could have at least returned my calls and explained," I said, feeling a bit hurt.

"The guy's not in his right mind, Lani," she replied.

"Goodness, I thought he was ignoring me on purpose," I admitted, feeling a pang of regret.

"I'm not saying he's not," she said, and I looked at her, confused.

"Didn't you just say he's depressed?" I asked.

"Sultan's depressed because he's convinced Veronica and their child are dying due to his lack of care and love for Veronica. So, in his mind, it's payback time – withholding the respect and attention he thinks he doesn't deserve," she explained, her words painting a complex picture of Sultan's emotional state.

"What do you mean?" I pressed, seeking clarity, and she sighed, preparing to elaborate.

"I'm sorry, Lani, but it's the truth. You're an amazing girl, beautiful, smart, perfect. There are guys out there who'll respect and love you for who you are. Forget Sultan; he doesn't take women seriously. He never will." Her words cut deep. I was stunned, tears welling up in my eyes as I stared at her. The weight of her words sank in, and the darkness of night seemed to close in around me. It hurt to know I meant so little to Sultan. He'd chosen Veronica over me, driven by guilt and a desperate attempt to make amends. The reason felt flimsy, and the pain of being cut off from his life was suffocating.
~~~
The countdown was on – my little one was just a month away from meeting the world. As a single mom, I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with my loved ones by my side, I felt a sense of reassurance.

The doorbell's sudden ring interrupted my soup-filled tranquility, and I groaned, reluctantly getting up to answer it. But as I opened the door, my eyes widened in shock. "Sarah?" I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. It was really her.

She smiled warmly and leaned in for a hug. "Milani dear." When she pulled back, she asked, "Can I come in?" I nodded, still in a daze, and stepped aside.

"Of course, sorry." As she walked in, I slowly shut the door behind her. Her eyes scanned the room, and her gaze landed on my childhood picture frame.

"Pretty," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. She gazed at the photo, and I couldn't help but wonder what had brought her here after all this time.

"Sarah," I softly called out, and she turned her attention back to me. "Sorry to ask, but why are you here?" I asked, my voice laced with anxiety but Her response caught me off guard.

"To take you with me." She said and I let out a slight scoff, incredulous.

"Where?" I pressed for more information.

"To my house," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. I stared at her, feeling lost and confused. Before I could process what was happening, she called out, "Guys, come in." Two muscular men in all black suits walked into my home, and I felt like I was losing control.

"Sarah I'm not going with you," I said firmly, trying to assert myself. But she ignored me, instructing the men to go upstairs and pack my belongings. "Sarah listen, I can't live with you," I tried again, but she pretended not to hear me. Instead, she added, "Including every baby stuff you see," as she watched the men pack my things into a blank van outside, completely disregarding my protests.