(Ayra's POV)
While driving, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
The road ahead blurred into a haze of fear and anxiety.
That's when it happened—I almost hit them.
An elderly couple was crossing the street slowly, hand in hand.
I slammed on the brakes, my heart leaping into my throat.
The car screeched to a stop just inches away from them.
I jumped out, my hands trembling. "I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"
The man nodded with a kind smile. "We're fine, dear. Don't worry."
"Please, let me give you a ride," I blurted out, desperate to do something—anything—to make up for my carelessness.
They exchanged a glance before the woman nodded. "That would be lovely," she said with a gentle smile.
They climbed into the car, and I resumed driving, still shaken.
"I'm really sorry again. I'm not usually a careless driver," I said, my voice wavering.
"It's alright, dear. These things happen sometimes," the woman reassured me softly.
For a while, we rode in silence, but I could feel the woman's gaze on me through the rearview mirror.
"You seem troubled, dear," she said kindly. "Is something wrong?"
I don't know why I told them. Perhaps it was their kindness, or maybe I just needed to let it out. The words spilled from me in a torrent:
"My marriage is falling apart, and I don't know how to fix it. I thought a baby might help, but when I went to the hospital, they told me I have advanced leukemia."
By the time I finished, I was sobbing, gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white.
"Pull over, dear," the man said softly.
I parked by the side of the road, tears blurring my vision.
The woman reached over and pulled me into a comforting hug as I cried my heart out.
"You're stronger than you think, Ayra," she said. "This isn't the end. It's just a chapter."
I pulled back, startled. "How do you know my name?" I asked, wide-eyed.
She pointed at my medical report lying on the passenger seat. "I saw it on the envelope," she explained with a soft smile.
"Oh," I murmured, feeling a bit foolish. I managed a small smile, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
The man then reached into his pocket and pulled out a stunning ruby ring, its surface gleaming beautifully in the sunlight.
"This is for you," he said, holding it out to me.
I shook my head, overwhelmed. "I can't—"
"Take it," he insisted gently. "It's our way of saying thank you for the ride. And a reminder that even in the darkest times, there's still light."
Their words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, offering comfort I hadn't realized I needed.
I hesitated before finally taking the ring and slipped it onto my finger, immediately I felt a strange sense of peace enveloped me.
"Thank you," I whispered softly.
They smiled warmly as the woman patted my hand. "Everything will be alright. You'll see," she said softly.
I nodded, fighting back the tears threatening to spill again.
"I can drive you the rest of the way now," I said, trying to steady my voice.
"Oh, that won't be necessary, dear," the man said, smiling. "We've already arrived at our destination."
I looked out and realized we were in a quiet, serene neighborhood.
The woman leaned in one last time. "Take care, dear. And always remember—you are never alone."
I nodded, hugging her one final time. I watched them walk away, their figures growing smaller until they disappeared.
Looking down at the ruby ring on my finger, I felt a glimmer of hope for the first time that day.
---
I parked outside Sasha's apartment, my mind still spinning from everything that had happened.
I couldn't believe how easily that couple had made me open up.
Their warmth had given me a sense of peace I hadn't felt since my parents' death.
But I quickly pushed the thought aside. I had more pressing matters to attend to.
If anyone could make sense of my crumbling life, it was Sasha.
I climbed the steps to her apartment, a knot of unease growing in my stomach.
My knocks echoed in the silence, unanswered. "Sasha?" I called, pressing my ear to the door. Nothing.
After a moment's hesitation, I entered the code for her door lock—a code she'd given me years ago in case of emergencies.
The door clicked open, and I stepped inside cautiously, my heels clicking softly against the polished wooden floor.
The living room was dimly lit, the faint scent of wine and something floral lingering in the air. My eyes were drawn to the table.
A half-empty bottle of wine stood beside two glasses. One had a lipstick-stained rim, catching the faint light.
I frowned. Sasha never drank wine alone.
Then I saw them—shoes scattered across the room. A man's polished dress shoes and Sasha's favorite red heels lay carelessly on the floor.
Was she with someone? She hadn't mentioned seeing anyone.
Curiosity gnawed at me. We were like sisters; we never kept secrets from each other.
Quietly, I climbed the stairs toward her bedroom. Halfway up, I heard voices.
"…taking too long. She should've been dead by now," Sasha's voice said, frustration lacing her tone.
I froze. Dead? My heart pounded as I strained to hear more.
"It's taking time to manifest," a deep male voice replied. "But don't worry. She's getting sick. You just need to be patient."
My stomach churned. Who were they talking about?
"No, I'm done waiting," Sasha snapped. "I'll increase the dose. I want her dead faster."
A metallic taste filled my mouth as I bit down on my lip. Her? Could they mean… me?
"What about her grandmother?" the man asked casually. "Will she be a problem?"
"No," Sasha replied dismissively. "The old hag will probably die of heartbreak once Ayra's gone. Then everything will be ours."
The very foundation of my life cracked beneath me, but the final blow came seconds later.
"We'll get married as soon as she's gone," the man said.
My blood ran cold as I listened to the sickening plot.
"I love you, sweetheart," Sasha giggled.
I couldn't breathe. Every ounce of composure shattered. Without thinking, I pushed the door open.
It slammed against the wall, and their heads whipped around.
There, next to Sasha, was my very own husband.
Kyle Durry in bed with my best friend, Sasha Quince!