Irina was driving back to the hotel and with her was Amany.
The silence of the car was the worst atmosphere possible.
The idea of having irritated or upset Amany made Irina really complicated.
She felt guilty.
In reality... Irina felt many things.
She felt guilty for putting Amany in that situation and frustrated that she had to comply with a ridiculous request like Lily's.
Did it feel unfair why she had to deal with all that?
Why did my brother need to go through that?
Why?
Amany tried not to think too much about what had happened, she had barely digested the idea of dating and suddenly her supposed girlfriend would be living with another woman.
She felt like she was being used as a mere shield.
Are you using me to protect yourself? Yes, of course you are.
What are you so afraid of that you would use me like that?
Amany hated the idea of being manipulated, she really liked Irina.
Amany, not to talk, focused on her work and remained focused on her cell phone screen with the photos she had taken the day before.
Perhaps her worst habit was keeping very quiet, she wouldn't rant or completely cry in tears.
She was a woman of contained emotions, she loved a lot and hated a lot, but in her own way.
As a celebrity she's learned to control herself too, you can't just create a scene every time you get pissed off.
Everyone who was close to Amany would be infected by her kindness and joy, but mostly they would be amazed at how concerned and caring she was for other people.
Always wanting the best of those she likes and doing her best and biggest effort for it.
No one would see her lose her composure easily. Always elegant and beautiful.
But now she was very angry.
Irina wanted Amany to scream, riot, question her and even confront her.
But no, all they did was finish the tea in a calm and subdued manner.
Amany even suggested that Bella and Irina stay in the apartment located in the center of the city.
She would make it easier for both of them and avoid inconveniences like meeting Irina and Emil's parents.
Not even Bella dared to say something, for her it was very strange Amany to react that way.
Irina gripped the steering wheel tightly, she didn't know what to do.
One of the biggest calms she had was being able to be with Amany, so being in that situation bothered her a lot.
She watched the road, but she always turned her gaze to Amany, that silence killed her.
I like you very much, my feelings haven't changed... They just become stronger and stronger.
She heaved a sigh and began to speak.
They needed to clarify what was going on.
"When we were at the awards I saw Bella for the first time since the end of 'Unbreakable'... She tried to get close to me, but I couldn't accept it or stay calm about it..."
Amany kept shifting her gaze between her cell phone and the traffic.
She really tried not to show too much interest to what Irina said, she was very angry.
Well, that was the first day of dating and it was already the first crisis.
A great start, right?
Irina continued.
"...While I was in the middle of making 'Unbreakable' I was diagnosed with PTSD...I couldn't sleep or feel calm, it was such a hard day... When 'Unbreakable' ended I thought I could start over my life, but Bella came along and I... I can't look at her without feeling like I'm about to suffocate..."
Amany heard the voice full of sadness and got scared, then finally looked to the side and saw that Irina was crying.
"... Amany I don't remember the last time I could sleep peacefully before I met you..."
The car finally slowed down and stopped, the traffic light was on red.
Irina continued to cry.
Every second she spoke and opened her heart more, the more she cried.
"Bella helped me find my brother and I even wondered how she would know his address and I didn't... Turns out she had some involvement with him... Emil is a sweet young man but he's completely out of his mind , his mental health is not what it used to be..."
Watching the way Irina cried, Amany could just ignore all of her anger.
She couldn't see Irina like that and continue to act like she was.
We'll work it out any way we can.
As long as you like me and want me around, I'll stay by your side.
"Pull the car over..."
Irina rubbed the back of her hand across her eyes, the tears kept flowing even though she tried to stop them.
Finally the green lights came on and the car was able to move again.
Irina sped up just to look for somewhere quieter.
Finally, she found a random supermarket parking lot.
Finally, the car stopped and all Irina did was turn off the car and put her face against the steering wheel, crying violently.
She thought of herself, her family.
Everything was so complicated.
"... Yesterday I spoke to you right after I took Emil to the clinic where he will be admitted... I left him there abandoned like a sick animal... My brother!"
Amany quickly disengaged from her seat belt.
She couldn't just watch Irina act like that.
She stroked Irina's back.
Cry all you want darling, I'm with you.
"... Amany, I know Bella can be seen as a threat and she can be seen as a problem, but I'm with you and I'm very serious about this... I introduced you as my girlfriend mainly so she would know that there is already someone by my side and there must be boundaries between us..."
Amany was full of fears, she was afraid of being used and discarded, she was afraid of loving madly and ending up alone.
She feared that Bella would eventually get everything and she would be left with nothing.
Could Amany donate to that relationship amidst so many uncertainties?
How could she do this?
Irina smiled, a bitter smile.
She wanted to be able to celebrate, but why didn't she feel happy?! "... Amany, I'm going to be an aunt..."
Amany stroked Irina's hair and smiled, but her smile was gentle.
Beautiful and delicate as if all pains could be healed there. "No... You're going to be a mother, honey."
Irina heard that and her mind went blank.
Yes, now she would be a mother.
Emil wasn't there for that child, but she was.
Brother, I will take good care of this child... I will take good care of Bella.
I will do this for you and for me.
"I'm so scared..."
Amany heard Irina crying and she started to cry too.
The two cried in each other's arms.
You are suffering? Let me help you.
We will go to the end.
"... Do you really want to be my girlfriend?"
Irina nodded, she wanted to. She wanted a lot.
"Yes."
Amany let go of Irina slightly and glared at her.
She cupped her pretty face, a little red and damp.
You are beautiful even if you burst into tears.
She smiled beautifully.
"... Then we will take good care of this child, make her strong and beautiful ... She will be loved by me, as if she were mine ... There will be no lack of love."
Irina smiled, for the first time she smiled.
She was really lucky to have Amany by her side. "... Thanks..."
Amany felt Irina kiss her hands.
She lightly caressed her face still between her hands, but sentenced. "... But Irina, please don't hurt me... Please don't let me down... I like you so much, I'm not ready to see you leave me for Bella..."
Amany allowed herself to show a fragility she had never exposed to Irina before.
She allowed herself the luxury of showing her conditions.
I will be in this relationship with you, but I can't help but want to feel safe.
Bella is a threat and I can do nothing but ask you to be honest with me.
Irina made no promises, dared not say even a single word.
She still didn't understand her feelings for Bella, she feared hurting Amany.
I won't have the courage to lie.
All Irina did was bring her face close to Amany's and kiss her on the lips.
Amany was satisfied, it wasn't what she wanted, but it was enough for now.
She still didn't feel safe.
She still had a lot of fears, but she knew Irina wouldn't lie to her.
At least don't lie or make promises you can't keep.
We'll take care of the rest when the future arrives.