“Kiara, I’m so sorry,” I say quietly, though I leave it at that. We’ve had this conversation before, and I’ve told her countless times that a man who sees love as a transaction, who prioritises his bank account over her, isn’t someone she should ever consider spending her precious life with.
Kiara shakes her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. “It’s okay. I mean, it still hurts sometimes. I really thought we had something real. But in the end, he saw me as… just an option.”
I squeeze her hand. “You arenotan option, Kiara. You’re one of the strongest, most talented women I know. If he couldn’t see that, then he didn’t deserve you.”
Kiara’s smile softens, her eyes glistening. “Thanks. It’s just hard to accept that the world has people like that. The worst ones are those who pretend to care but leave when it matters the most.”
“I know, Kiara. It’s tough, but those people don’t deserve a place in your heart. The ones who truly care will stay, no matter what. And for what it’s worth, you’re going to find someone who sees all of you and chooses you, Kiara.”
She takes a deep breath, nodding slowly as she wipes away a tear. “I want to believe that. It’s just… after everything, I don’t know if I have it in me to trust again. But maybe one day, someone will come along who doesn’t see me as a choice, but as the one they want.”
Suddenly, I straighten, my eyes lighting up with an idea—not just to help her forget, but also to shove that jerk out of my own mind where he doesn’t belong. “You know what? We’re not going to end this night drowning in self-pity over arrogant, rich men who think they’re God’s gift to womankind. Instead, let’s go out and have some fun.”
Kiara blinks. “Go out? At this hour?”
“Yes, Miss Goody Two-Shoes,” I say with a grin. “And please, don’t say no and ruin the fun. We deserve a night out to forget all the crap and just have some fun.”
Kiara hesitates, her brows furrowing. “I don’t know, Sana. I’m really not in the mood right now.”
I give her a nudge. “Trust me, a little fun is just what you need, and I guarantee you’ll feel so much better. So, no more excuses!” I exclaim, squeezing her hands. “Come on, Kiara. It’s time we stop letting life just happen to us and start living a little.”
Kiara sighs, finally giving in. “Fine. But nothing crazy, and no trying to set me up with anyone, got it?”
I place a hand over my heart. “Cross my heart.”
Kiara shakes her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “Alright, let’s do this.”
“That’s my best friend,” I say just as my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I smile. “It’s my mom,” I add, swiping to answer and pressing the phone to my ear. “Hey, Mom!”
“Sana, where are you? It’s ten thirty and you’re still not home. You said you’d be late, but not this late. Is it work? Is something wrong at the café?” Mom fires off her worried questions one after another, her voice laced with concern on the other end.
I roll my eyes, even though she can’t see me. “Relax, Mom. I’m with Kiara, and we’re going out, so I won’t be home anytime soon.”
There’s a brief pause before she speaks again. “Going out? At this hour? Where exactly are you two going?”
I bite my lip, not wanting to add to her worry by telling her we’re heading to a pub. Instead, I lie. “Just dinner, Mom. We were craving some good Thai food.”
I hear Mom sigh. “Alright, but don’t stay out too late, Sana. And make sure you’re safe. I don’t want you two wandering around in the streets at this hour.”
I smile, shaking my head. “Mom, I’m a grown woman. I can handle myself, you know.”
“I know you can,” Mom replies softly. “But you’re still my little girl. I worry, Sana. I always will.” The tenderness in her voice makes my chest tighten. I glance at Kiara, who is smiling.
“I know, Mom. And I love that about you. You care so much, even when I don’t make it easy.”
Mom chuckles softly. “That’s what mothers do. You’ll understand that someday.”
“Maybe,” I reply, my voice softening. “But for now, I just want to say thank you. For always worrying, always looking out for me, even when I act like I don’t need it.”
“That’s because, deep down, I know you always need it. Just like I’ll always need to know you’re okay. Promise me you’ll take care of yourself while you’re out?”
“I promise,” I say, smiling through the lump in my throat. “And I’ll be home before one.”
“Have fun, sweetheart. You deserve it.”
“I will. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, beta.”
