Page 34 of Deadline for Love

We both freshened up, and Amara grabbed her pillow and a blanket from her room to take them to the guest room, where I was already lying on the soft queen-sized bed. She settled in next to me and put her arms around me.

“I want you to know that even if you think I have a lot on my plate, I still always have time for you. I will always make time for you,” I promised.

Amara nodded before falling asleep as she told me everything she had been planning for the wedding and since finding out about the baby.

When I was sure she was asleep, I slipped out of bed and carefully grabbed my laptop, which I had already put on the bedside table, and started typing in the information I had.

I wrote the article for the fire and the robbery. But when I started writing about the three deceased women, my stomach was churning... It just wasn’t a good time for Steel Valley.

Chapter 12

Early in the morning, I was the first to wake up.

Without disturbing Amara, I got up carefully and went to the bathroom, where I splashed cold water over my face and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were puffy, and my face so pale.

When I was done, I went to the kitchen to make a breakfast that my poor friend would hopefully be able to stomach. Just as I finished, I heard the front door open as Justin entered. He was wearing a black suit, taking off his jacket, and kicking off his shoes in the hallway—With grim and large dark circles under his eyes.

I walked over and faced him. “Good morning, Justin.’’

“Morning, Bella, I’m glad you’re here. I just don’t know what's going on with Amara anymore.” He raised his hand and rubbed the back of his neck nervously while speaking dejectedly.

“Cut her some slack and maybe try to listen to her,” I hissed. Although I knew he was desperate, I was still annoyed to see him like this, especially after Amara had cried so much over him last night.

He sighed loudly and looked down at the floor, his arms falling limply and hanging as if he had no control over his body.

“I wanted to take her to my family’s to get a change of scenery, but she doesn’t want to do anything.”

“She’s not feeling well. You know that.” I tilted my head. “Listen, I think you’re great, but maybe take a look around you and take notice of things changing. There's a lot going on and you're going to ruin your relationship if you can't figure out how to see past your own nose,” I warned.

“I love Amara more than anything,” he said firmly. “I love her so much it breaks my heart that I don’t know what to do.’’

His look seemed desperate, but somehow, I didn’t feel sorry for him. “Well, I'm sorry but I just don't see you putting in any effort. You're gone all the time, she tells me that you're always working late and avoiding her. That doesn’t seem like the behavior of someone who cares.’’ I provoked him, yes. But he really deserved it.

“Do you think I can still manage —”

“No, you don’t need to!” Amara’s voice sounded behind me and interrupted Justin; his eyes jumped on her, and he gave the helpless look of a desperate man in love.

“Amara, baby…” he whispered.

I turned to look at her and saw her crossing her arms in front of her chest, not giving Justin a glance, but I also noticed the slight, hidden sneer on her lips. She had probably been secretly eavesdropping and overheard everything.

I kept my poker face and then walked over to where I patted her competently on the shoulder. “I made breakfast. Please try to eat it. I have to go.’’

Amara nodded gratefully, and I quickly headed to the guest room, where I took my belongings before leaving through the back door. The two needed time alone now—and I was sure they would make up.

With a satisfied grin, I breathed in the morning air and stretched my hands to the early morning sun. Then I went to the bus stop where I waited. I wanted to go home and change, but I wanted to wear my jumpsuit for today’s interviews.

The bus arrived on time, and I was the only passenger as it was still early on Sunday. I sat at the front, almost beside the bus driver, who looked tired but offered me a friendly smile.

Once I arrived at my stop, I bid farewell to the bus driver and walked down the street to my apartment complex. It was quiet, and the silence felt eerie after everything that happened, but I tried not to think about anything scary.

Instead, I swallowed my fear and quickly walked to the building. My neighbor also got around at the same time. We both went inside, and she complained about the elevator still being broken.

I’d never seen her in a good mood before. But I still got along with her well.

She swept her blonde hair back as beads of sweat formed on her forehead from climbing the stairs. “By the way, someone rang your doorbell last night. Could you please tell your friends to stop being noisy so late? I know it’s the weekend, but there are people like me who work and want to sleep.”

Her request made me freeze in shock. “When did that happen?”

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