CHAPTER 38

JULIANA'S POV

I take a deep breath and wipe away the tears from my eyes. I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one where I surround myself with people who truly care about me and have my best interests at heart. I will not worry about Maggie and her sorry ass.

I get in my car and drive out of the cafe's parking lot. I decide to go to the buzz and calm down before going back to Marcus' place, I do not want him to see me like this. Reaching the buzz I park my car and give the keys to the valet.

"Good evening ma'am, what are you having?" My server asks as I sit down. I look at the name tag and find out that her name is Sara.

"Good evening thank you, Sara, can I please have a bottle of wine? Please don't ask me the name of the wine I want, just give me any as long as it is  not more than one thousqñd kwacha." I do not have time to start looking at the menu. I just want to get drunk and forget that I ever had a friend named Maggie.

Sara nods and quickly brings me a bottle of red wine. I pour myself a glass and take a long sip, letting the warmth of the alcohol soothe my frayed nerves. I try to push thoughts of Maggie out of my mind, focusing instead on the music playing in the background and the chatter of the other patrons.

As I sit there, lost in my thoughts, I can't help but feel a sense of liberation. Yes, losing a friend is painful, but I know that I deserve better. I deserve friends who will support me, uplift me, and stand by me no matter what. And if Maggie can not be that friend, then maybe it is for the best that our paths have diverged.

As I sit here, reflecting on the events of the past few days, I can not help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. For too long, I allowed myself to be dragged down by Maggie. But now, I am finally taking control of my happiness and well-being.

For years, I considered Maggie to be my best friend, someone I could always rely on. But now I see her true colors. She is manipulative, selfish, and only cares about herself. It is a hard pill to swallow, but I know I have to cut ties with her to move forward. I deserve friends who lift me, not bring me down. I never thought there would come a day when I would not be with Maggie. But it is life and I am going to enjoy life to the fullest because that's what I deserve.

I finish the bottle of wine and pay my bill, feeling slightly tipsy but also strangely at peace. I am not a light drinker so I will be able to drive myself.

As I drive back to Marcus' place, I feel a sense of determination settling in my heart. I may have lost a friend, but I have gained clarity and strength. It is better to have no friend than to have a friend who does not care at all.

I pull into the driveway and see Marcus waiting for me at the front door, a concerned look on his face. I smile at him, feeling grateful for his unwavering support.

"Are you okay, babydoll?" He asks as I step out of the car and get a hug from him.

"I will be, Marcus. I will be," I reply as I hug him tightly. We hug for some time and then pull away.

"You are drunk," he states as he leads me through the front door closing it behind us.

"Just a little, I am aware of my surroundings," I say as I connect my lips to his.

He chuckles and wraps his arms around me, pulling me close. "I am here for you, babydoll. Always."

As I lean into his embrace, I feel a sense of safety and love wash over me. Despite the pain of losing Maggie, I am grateful to have someone who truly cares about me by my side. In moments like these, all I need is his comforting presence to help me through the tough times.

It is funny how life works sometimes. Just when you think you have hit rock bottom, someone comes along and lifts you. That is exactly what he does for me. His arms wrapped around me make me feel like everything is going to be okay, even when it feels like the world is falling apart.

"Have you eaten anything?" He asks me.

"No, I have not eaten," I tell him.

"Do you want to eat now or you will eat after you shower?"

"I will eat now, what's for supper?"

He smiles and leads me to the kitchen, where he has prepared a simple but delicious meal of pasta and garlic bread. As we sit down to eat, I feel a sense of gratitude wash over me. Despite the turmoil in my life, I have someone who loves and supports me unconditionally.

As we eat, we talk about our day and share a few laughs, the tension from earlier slowly melting away. I feel a sense of peace settling over me, knowing that I have Marcus by my side.

After dinner, I take a long shower and change into comfortable pajamas. Marcus joins me in bed, wrapping his arms around me, making me feel loved and cherished. I am so glad that I have Marcus in my life.

As he holds me in his arms, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Despite the challenges and betrayals I have faced, I know that I am loved and cherished by someone who truly cares about me. I close my eyes, feeling grateful for the love and support in my life.