Chapter 32: The Calm before the Storm
1494 Words
The next day was supposed to be her off day. A time to rest, to finally let her guard down. Lily was still wrapped in her sheets when the doorbell rang. Groaning, she pushed herself up, hair tousled, eyes groggy.
She opened the door to find Zain standing there, a bright grin on his face, holding two cups of coffee.
"Get your lazy butt up," he said cheerfully, pushing his way inside. "We’re going out."
Lily blinked, confused. "Zain, what—?"
"No arguments." He handed her a coffee. "Today’s a special day."
She narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "Why? What’s going on?"
He chuckled. "You need a break, Lil. And I’m here to enforce it. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately. You deserve some pampering."
Lily groaned but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. "I’m really not in the mood."
"Exactly why you need it." His tone softened. "Come on, it’s our tradition. Spa day after a stressful exam, remember? It always worked. Let’s bring that back."
Defeated but touched, Lily finally nodded. "Alright, fine. Give me ten minutes."
---
The spa was a haven. The gentle music, the soothing scents, the warm touch of expert hands working away her tension—it was all perfect. For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to relax. To breathe.
She found herself sprawled in a massage chair, the tension in her body slowly unravelling under skilled hands.
Zain lounged nearby, a teasing grin playing on his lips. "You know, you really should thank me for saving your sanity."
Lily cracked a smile. "I am. This is...nice."
He shot her a look. "'Nice'? Come on, Lily. You can do better than that. How about 'lifesaving' or 'absolutely perfect'?"
She laughed, the sound genuine and light. "Fine. It's perfect. You win."
"I always do," he teased, and for the first time in weeks, Lily allowed herself to enjoy the moment without the shadow of worry looming.
Zain sat beside her, eyes closed in bliss as they soaked their feet. "See? Told you this was a good idea."
Lily chuckled lightly. "I hate that you’re always right."
He opened one eye, smirking. "Get used to it."
For a while, they said nothing, enjoying the calm. Then, as if sensing her lingering worries, Zain spoke again.
"You know, I’ve been thinking," he said softly. "You can’t carry the world on your shoulders forever, Lil. You need to let someone in. Someone who can share the load."
Lily looked away, the shadow of Stanley still haunting her thoughts. "It’s not that easy."
"Maybe it isn’t. But it’s worth trying." He nudged her playfully. "You deserve someone who’ll be there. Like me, but less charming."
She laughed, the sound easing some of her sorrow. "You’re ridiculous."
"Ridiculously loyal," he corrected with a grin. "Now, enough talk. Time for ice cream. You need sugar."
---
They ended the day sitting on a park bench, ice cream in hand, the cool breeze brushing their skin. Zain’s stories and jokes were endless, designed to distract her from her troubles. And they worked, at least for a while.
As they parted ways, Lily hugged him tight. "Thank you. For today. For always being here."
He squeezed her back. "Always, Lil. You’re stuck with me."
When she finally stepped back into her apartment, it felt lighter, warmer. She wasn’t sure if it was the massage, the laughter, or simply the comfort of knowing that no matter what storms came, Zain would always be her anchor.
And for now, that was enough.
---
Clara knocked lightly on Lily's door; her brow furrowed in concern.
She had noticed the shadows beneath Lily's eyes, the way her shoulders slumped, how food remained untouched, and sleep seemed a distant friend.
"Lily, are you okay?" Clara's voice was soft but firm as she stepped into the room.
Lily looked up, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine, Clara. Just tired."
Clara's gaze lingered, sharp and knowing. "Tired? Or... something more? You look frail, Lily.
You’re not eating, barely sleeping. If you weren't working, I'd be worried sick."
There was a pause, then Clara chuckled lightly, though her eyes remained serious.
"You know, that's how it started for me too. Fatigue, no appetite... and before I knew it, I was holding Hope in my arms." She said jokingly.
Lily froze.
The air grew heavy around her. She opened her mouth, then shut it. Her heart pounded in her chest.
"No," she whispered. "It can't be. It's stress. It's just stress."
But even as she said it, her mind raced back—two months. She couldn't remember the last time her cycle had come.
The realisation was like ice in her veins.
Clara's brow furrowed. "Lily... maybe just take the test. To be sure."
Lily hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Okay."
The next hour passed in a blur. The test. The waiting. The fear. When the result came, it was like the ground shifted beneath her.
Positive.
Lily sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the small stick in her trembling hands. Tears welled up in her eyes, her body shaking with silent sobs.
Clara knelt beside her, wrapping her arms around Lily's shaking frame. "It's okay," she whispered. "You're not alone. We're here. Your family is here. We'll get through this."
But Lily could only cry, mourning the weight of decisions yet to come.
---
For three days, Lily locked herself away.
She didn't go to work, barely ate, barely slept.
The weight of her fears crushed her. What would she do? What could she do?
When Zain came, his knock was hesitant but firm. "Lily, it's me. Please open up."
She hesitated but eventually turned the key. Zain stepped in, his eyes scanning her tear-streaked face.
Concern darkened his gaze.
"Lily," he breathed. "What is it? What's wrong?"
And for the first time, she broke. She told him everything. About the test. The fear. The uncertainty.
Zain listened in silence, his jaw tight, his eyes shadowed.
Then, he reached for her hand. "You don't have to do this alone. I... I'll be here. If you'll let me, I'll step up. I'll be the father, if that's what you need. I'll be whatever you need."
Lily's breath caught. "Zain... I don't know. I need space. I need to think."
He nodded, understanding but pained. "Take your time. But know I'm here. Always."
---
A week had passed since Zain’s offer. Since she had stared at the test, her stomach twisting in knots.
They sat side by side on her couch, an invisible weight between them.
“Are you sure about this?” Lily asked softly, fingers knotting in her lap. “I don’t want to—”
“Force yourself?” Zain finished, his voice gentle.
She looked at him, guilt pressing against her ribs. “I don’t want to make a mistake.”
“Then don’t,” he said simply. “If you think there’s a chance he’ll come back, tell me now. If you think you’d rather wait for him, I need to know.”
She opened her mouth but hesitated. Because she didn’t know.
"Okay," she whispered. "I'll accept. It's the best for the baby."
Zain didn't cheer. Didn't smile. But his voice held relief. "We'll get through this together."
---
A month later, Lily found herself at the hospital for her first antenatal appointment. The hospital was sterile and cold, but Alina's warm smile brought comfort.
"You're glowing," Alina said softly as they chatted in the waiting room.
Lily offered a faint smile, placing her hands over her still-flat stomach. "Trying to take it one day at a time."
As Alina continued to chat, Lily's gaze shifted, catching sight of a familiar figure. Stanley.
Walking swiftly down the hall, his face shadowed, tense. He was heading towards the VIP wing.
Lily froze. Her pulse quickened, heat rising in her chest. What was he doing here? Why the secrecy?
Her feet moved of their own accord, following quietly.
Anger, confusion, and something sharper warred inside her.
She had spent months in agony, and here he was, acting as though she never existed.
Stanley paused before entering a VIP room, glancing around before slipping inside. The door clicked shut behind him.
Lily's breath trembled.
She stood there, staring at the door, her mind racing with questions, with anger. Was he hiding something again? Was it another secret, another betrayal?
She was tired of secrets. Tired of the lies.
Taking a deep breath, Lily stepped forward, her fingers curling into fists. She was ready to confront him, ready to lay everything bare.
She reached for the door handle, heart pounding like a drumbeat. The truth was on the other side, waiting to crush her or set her free.
Lily was prepared to face the truth, whatever it may be.
But nothing could have prepared her for what lay beyond that door.
- Writer
