Wrong Injection

Chapter 67

Time seemed to grind to a halt as I stood frozen, my surroundings drained of color and vibrancy. The only sound was the deafening pounding of my heart in my ears. I was in shock as Sultan walked towards me, his presence still capable of making me shiver. "Milani," he whispered.

"Dada!" Dream's tiny voice cut through the air for the second time, and I was taken aback. She had always said that to Sultan, and it freaked me out. I cuddled her closer, but she was already reaching out to him, her chubby little hand extending towards Sultan. He tenderly touched her cheek, his eyes filled with loving warmth as she wrapped her fingers around his. The scene was surreal, and I struggled to process what was happening.

"May I take her?" he asked, and I nodded.

He took Dream in his arms, and to my surprise, she didn't protest. "Da-da!" she giggled, trying to kiss him but ending up kissing his chin instead. Sultan's face lit up with a warm smile as he caressed her cheek.

"I really missed you princess," he said, his voice filled with affection. I watched the scene unfold, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Uh, so how are you?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. I had vivid memories of his struggles with depression before I left America, and I wanted to know if he was still dealing with it.

"I'm okay," his expression neutral and I nodded, choosing to take his response at face value.

"Good," I said, avoiding his intense stare. His eyes seemed to bore into mine, making me feel uneasy.

"Your voice... it's just as beautiful as I remembered." The warmth of his breath danced across my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His hand cradled my face, and I felt myself leaning into the touch, craving the comfort it brought.

"W-what are you doing?" I stammered, my voice barely audible. And His eyes burned with intensity.

"I miss you." The words were a whispered promise, a vow of longing. Then, his lips were on mine, devouring me with a passion that left me breathless.

As we broke apart, gasping for air, I managed to whisper, "We shouldn't be doing this." The words were a feeble protest, my heart already betraying me by pounding in my chest.

"Uh, I'm sorry, I was carried away," his voice laced with a hint of apology. I watched him, relieved that he seemed to realize the kiss wasn't exactly welcome. Our complicated past was just that – in the past. Just then, the lady at the counter interrupted my thoughts.

"Ma'am, can I take your order?" she asked, and I chuckled, having completely forgotten why I was there in the first place.

"Sunday ice cream, please," I replied, trying to shake off the lingering tension.

"Coming right up," she said with a smile. After getting our treats, Sultan suggested we take a seat. We sat down, and he gazed at Dream before turning to me.

"Dream looks just like you," he said.

"Yeah everyone says that," I replied, aware of the tension between us. Despite the awkwardness, I couldn't help but notice the change in him. He seemed calmer, sweeter – a far cry from the struggles with depression I'd witnessed before. It was heartening to see him bouncing back, ready to take on life again.

The waitress handed me the ice cream, and I thanked her with a smile. Dream's eyes lit up as she bounced up and down, trying to reach for the treat. "Ma-ma! Ma-ma!" she squealed, her little hands grasping for the ice cream. I chuckled and picked it up, teasing her slightly.

"Not so fast, Dreamy." Sultan laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Don't be too hard on her," he said, and I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest. As we finished up, I stood, and we walked out of the shop to my car. I took Dream from Sultan and secured her into her seat, shutting the door once she was safely buckled in.

"When did you arrive in New York City?" Sultan asked, his curiosity evident.

"Two days ago," I replied, and he nodded thoughtfully, dipping his hands into his front pockets.

"And they didn't bother to tell me?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice. I knew he was referring to Gabby and Bella.

"They're not aware I'm here," I explained and Sultan's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression questioning.

"Why?" his eyes searched mine, but I didn't elaborate. Instead, I brushed it off with a lie.

"Because I want some time alone." He nodded, seeming to accept my response.

"Cool," he said and I glanced at him, feeling a pang of guilt for not being entirely truthful.

"Alright, I have to go now," I said, trying to wrap things up.

"Okay," he replied, shrugging slightly as he watched me walk around the car and get in. His gaze lingered on me, but I didn't look back, starting the engine and preparing to leave.