𝐂𝐡𝐩𝐭 𝟐𝟒

Kamala's POV

I shouldn't even be going to this dinner. After what I witnessed, the last thing I want to do is socialize—especially for an entire night. I picked up my phone from the bed, staring at Allura's name on the screen. I wanted to call her, to ask what was happening and why she let Maya touch her.

My thumb hovered over her name, trembling. I should just ask, get some clarity. I needed to hear her voice, her reassurance. But before I could make the call, a knock sounded at my door.

"Just a second!" I called, adjusting my dress before opening it.

"You look incredible, Kamala. That dress is stunning on you. Give me a spin," Amanda said, extending her hand to twirl me around.

The frustration that had been weighing on me started to lighten. But the sting of betrayal still lingered. The thought of someone else's hands on Allura made my blood boil. Yet, standing in Stanley's presence, her energy momentarily pulled me away from my turmoil.

"Thank you, Amanda. You look gorgeous too," I said, forcing a small smile.

She linked her arm with mine. "Ready to go?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

At the dinner, we easily fell into conversation with the other professors. On the surface, I played along, smiling and chatting, but underneath, I was pissed. The image of Maya's hand on Allura's chest kept replaying in my mind, refusing to fade no matter how hard I tried to push it away.

"Excuse me for a moment," I muttered, slipping away to the bar. I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temple. The bartender gave me a curious glance but remained silent.

"What can I get you, ma'am?" he finally asked, his tone neutral.

I met his gaze, my eyes heavy with exhaustion. "Whatever's the strongest."

"Rough night?"

A bitter laugh escaped me as I fought to keep my emotions in check.

"If only you knew."

Just then, my phone rang. I glanced down—Allura was calling. My fingers hesitated over the screen, debating whether to answer. Instead, I slid it into my pocket, silencing the call. The moment I put it away, a text came through.

Allura 🩷: I miss you, I just wanted to make sure you're okay. Be safe and call me when you can. I love you <3

I didn't reply. The bartender returned with my drink, and I downed it in one go. One drink turned into two. Then three. Then four.

"Whoa there, slow down," Amanda said as she approached, taking the glass from my hand.

"I'm fine," I muttered, reaching for it again.

"Let's get you back to the hotel. You're getting drunk, and we still have class tomorrow."

She slipped my arm over her shoulder and guided me outside to the truck. The moment my head hit the seat, I drifted off. Even in my sleep, frustration simmered beneath the surface. I wanted nothing more than to go home and confront Allura. It had only been five days, but it felt like the first all over again.

When we arrived at the hotel, I vaguely heard Amanda thanking the driver. I walked at a steady pace, her presence steady beside me.

"Alright, we're here," she said, reaching into my pocket for my keycard and unlocking the door.

I collapsed onto the bed, curling up. Silence filled the room, and I assumed Amanda had left—until I felt my heels being slipped off.

"You must be pretty dizzy after all that," she murmured, neatly placing my shoes by the door.

I rolled onto my back, watching as she disappeared into the bathroom and returned with a warm towel. She sat beside me, gently pressing it to my forehead. The warmth soothed me instantly.

"I know how it feels to be drunk, and this should help with the dizziness. Is this okay?"

Our eyes met, and I saw nothing but genuine care in hers.

"Thank you, Amanda. I mean it—for taking care of me tonight."

She smiled, still holding the towel. "No problem. That's what friends are for. It's getting late, so I'm gonna head back to my room. Goodnight, Kamala."

"Wait!" I blurted, sitting up slightly.

She turned back, surprise flickering across her face. I hadn't expected to say it either, but with Allura so far away, I just needed comfort.

"Can you stay for a little?"

"You sure?" she asked, hesitation in her voice.

"Please?" I softened my tone, making my request clear.

"Okay, but just for a little bit."

She slipped off her heels and climbed into bed beside me. We spent the rest of the night talking and watching a movie, the weight of my emotions easing just a little.

Allura's POV⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

"I'm starting to get worried, Maya. It's not like her to just... ignore my calls and texts. What if something happened to her? I swear, I don't mind beating somebody's ass."

I paced the room, my nerves getting the best of me.

"First off, calm down," Maya said, her tone steady. "I'm sure Kamala's fine. She's probably just busy or had a long day and crashed. Just give her some time."

Maya seemed completely unbothered, but I couldn't shake the anxiety creeping in. I hadn't heard from Kamala since this morning, and I already missed her more than I cared to admit.

"I'll hop on a flight if I have to. She already knows how I get," I muttered, more to myself than to Maya.

Maya chuckled. I shot her a sharp look.

"This isn't funny, Maya. I'm genuinely worried. How are you not? She's your sister, after all."

Maya leaned back on the couch, grabbing the remote.

"Allura, I know my sister. When she's busy, she doesn't always call back. She reaches out when she can, and I've learned to roll with it."

I sighed, sitting beside her and picking up my phone. Without another word, I dialed Kamala's number. It rang and rang.

"See?" I said, frustration building. "She's not pickin—"

The line connected and just as I was about to speak my heart stopped in my chest. I could hear moans on the other end.

"I've wanted you for so long you just don't understand."

The sound of kisses and clothes being taken off were coming through the phone.

I couldn't even speak. There was no way Kamala was laid up with Stanley's sorry ass. I turned to Maya, who looked just as shocked.

Her mouth hung open as we sat there in stunned silence, just staring at each other. Wow. My chest tightened as tears welled up in my eyes, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hold them back. I hung up the call and set my phone down beside me.

The tears came before I could stop them. Maya pulled me into a hug, firm yet gentle, as if trying to hold me together. I couldn't believe Kamala had done this again. And it was my fault—I let myself trust her. I got played. Again.

What did I even do to deserve this?

My mind spiraled as I sobbed into Maya's arms. Was I not enough? Had everything between us been a lie?

"How could she do this to me, Maya?" I choked out, gripping onto her as the tears streamed down my face. "Does she not want me anymore? Am I not enough for her?"

Maya held me tighter, running her fingers through my hair.

"Don't you dare say that. You are more than enough, Allura," she said firmly. "I won't lie to you—I don't know what she's thinking or why she did this. But don't you ever question your worth again. Do you hear me?"

I nodded, still sobbing. My throat felt raw, my head throbbed, and my eyes were already swelling.

She gently lifted my chin, her gaze locking onto mine as she wiped my tears away with her thumb.

"Say it," she insisted. "Say that you're beautiful and that you're worth it."

"I-I'm beautiful and I'm worth it," I whispered, my voice shaky.

"Exactly. And don't you ever forget that." Maya's voice was both soft and unyielding.

I sniffled, my mind racing. "Why would she even answer the phone? Did she do it on purpose? Did she not realize I could hear everything?"

I cried until exhaustion took over, my body giving in to the weight of my emotions. Somewhere in the haze of my grief, I felt Maya carefully helping me to the bed. The house was quiet except for the low hum of the TV. She pulled back the covers and tucked me in.

"You're gonna be okay, babygirl," she whispered.

So for all the Kamala defenders..... what you gonna say now? 🙂 Kamala just couldn't keep her word. She did that out of spite and we all know that. When Maya and Allura didn't even do nun. Welllll, looks like Maya was able to behave herself but I can't say the same for Kam.

Mind you, even after Kamala cheated, Maya STILL didn't take advantage while our girl is hurting :(  She's so respectful. Very Demure.