"I dare you to touch me again, and I won't hesitate for a second before showing you hell," I said, instantly pushing him away.

I would have allowed him to touch me, but after knowing how much he hates me, how can I? If not love, the least he could do is not hate me.

"I like your audacity to push me," Asad said with a smirk, stepping closer to me. Glancing around the room, I spotted some bowl full of fruits on the table. I walked straight to the fruit basket and grabbed a knife.

"I'm not one of your puppets to give myself to you, Mr. Mafia," I said angrily, pointing the knife at him.

Asad smiled again at my response, and I saw him take something out of his pocket. In seconds, he pointed a gun at me.

I didn't flinch at the sight. He gave a mischievous smile as he walked toward me, but I stood my ground, confident and unmoving.

"Still not afraid of me, love?" he asked.

I stood there with full confidence, showing no fear.

"You think so low of me, Ms. Nasr?" he asked, stepping closer with slow, deliberate movements. His voice sent shivers down my spine, yet my self-confidence forced me to hold my ground.

"Obviously. A person who can't even love-no, forget love-who can't even respect a woman is clearly someone who puppets innocent women," I said through gritted teeth. As soon as I finished, I felt his gun press against my forehead, and my knife was barely touching his neck.

"Aleena Nasr, before I could ever understand the concept of love, you came into my life and made me feel what hate is. I was so consumed by hating you, I don't even know what love is anymore. And let me warn you: I never touched any woman except you. I never did before you, and I won't even do it after you. Get this into your crazy mind," he said firmly but quietly. I could tell he was controlling his anger, but why were his words affecting me again?

He's threatening me, so why is my stupid stomach doing uncontrollable flips?

He didn't touch any woman before me? Should I be happy or curse my fate for being the first woman he ever touched?

"Then what are you doing now?" I asked him, my voice barely audible due to how close we were.

"Destroying you, love," he whispered in his husky voice, and just the sound of it affected me so much that I felt my grip on the knife loosen, and it fell to the ground.

"You'll regret it, Asad," I tried my best to yell, but failed as his scent distracted me, making it hard to focus.

"I've regretted enough; now it's your turn, Ms. Nasr," he finished his threat before sucking on my innocent neck.

In an instant, he pulled me even closer, one hand resting on my waist, the other busy holding the gun and pointing it at my forehead.

"You're suffocating me, Asad," I said calmly, not wanting to provoke him further and hear his next threat.

As soon as my words reached his ears, he backed away and looked at me.

Our eyes met, both filled with pure hatred for each other.

"Blink, Aleena. I don't want to lose in front of you," he said sternly, gazing deep into my eyes, but my betraying eyes refused to look away from him.

He's a walking red flag, yet this dangerously attractive.

What was God even thinking while creating this man? His eyes are my weakness... no, it's his voice, no, it's his muscular chest, no, it's his scent... no, it's him-he's the whole damn problem!

Why am I thinking so much about him?

"Blink," he ordered again. But instead of following his command, I flipped my hair and walked toward the door.

As I was about to open it, he reached over and opened it for me, standing right behind me.

I stepped out and felt his hand on my waist again.

"Listen to me for now," Asad whispered sternly, walking with me toward the stage. The dances were still going on, and the lights were dim.

We reached the stage and sat comfortably as if nothing had happened between us. After a few minutes of silence, the lights came on, and he received a call.

"I'll be back," Asad said, glancing at me before walking away to answer the call.

Why is he even telling me that he's going?

I was lost in my thoughts about him until I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up to see Ayesha standing in front of me. Her face matched her outfit-completely red-and what shocked me was her ear, which was even redder.

"What happened to your ear?" I asked before she could speak.

"Wh-what happened there?" Ayesha stammered, touching her ear and sitting beside me.

"It's completely red. Did an insect bite you?" I asked, and was about to touch it, but Ayesha quickly covered it with her hands.

"In-Insect? Ah, yes, yes, a mosquito bit me," she stuttered again, then gave me a weird smile.

"Well, I didn't know there are such big mosquitoes around!" I was seriously confused.

"I was out to get some fresh air, and outside there are really big mosquitoes. Don't go outside, okay, Aleena?" Ayesha was lying with great effort.

"Of course, Ayesha, but I don't think that MOSQUITO is interested in anyone but you, right?" I said, playing along with her lie.

"Wh-what are you saying, Aleena?" This time, her face turned as red as her favorite strawberries.

"I mean, I didn't know Dr. Zaid was so bold that he'd 'attack' your earlobe first!" I said smoothly, just to see her freeze at my statement.

"You!!!" she whisper-yelled.

"And what about you? You really think that you could lie to me, huh?" I asked back firmly.

"I just came to call you for dinner, Aleena. Come," she said firmly before standing up.

"I don't feel like eating anything now," I said, suddenly losing my appetite.

"And now you're lying to me, Aleena. Just come and eat something," Ayesha ordered. Before I could say anything further, I saw Asad coming towards the stage again.

He sat beside me, too close to be exact. I ignored him and looked back at Ayesha.

"I'll eat at home, you go ahead," I said with a smile. She gave me a narrow look and walked away. As Ayesha was walking down from the stage, Dr. Zaid was standing there, extending his hand to support her.

She has the best man, yet her stubbornness refuses to accept him. And Dr. Zaid! He's trying his best to impress this angry woman!

Ayesha held his hand and walked down, then Dr. Zaid whispered something to her before walking towards us.

"Asad, come for dinner," Dr. Zaid invited him.

Asad looked at me with an expressionless face, then turned to his friend.

"I'll eat later," he said in his usual tone and got engrossed in his phone.

Dr. Zaid gave me a slight, genuine smile and walked away.

"Why aren't you eating?" I heard Asad's deep voice.

I turned to face him and saw him looking at me intensely, without moving his gaze. Doesn't he blink?

"My choice," I said with the same attitude and looked around, trying to avoid his eyes.

"And why aren't you eating?" I don't know why I asked, maybe he is not eating because of me?-

"My choice," he once again proved my thoughts wrong.

Oh Aleena, you and your delusional mind. What can I even expect from a man like Asad Riaz? Asad Raez? Asad-what's his full name? Ah, I forgot his full name again. Great, I don't even know my own fiance's full name, I taunted myself.

Then I got busy looking around at the people while Mr. Red Flag was engrossed in his phone.

And I thanked God, finally some peace-

No, I guess God doesn't want me to have peace today. Taimur was coming towards us, holding some sweets in his hand and a sweet smile on his face.

Go away, Taimur, my heart screamed, because I don't have the strength to deal with Asad's jealousy right now.

"Here are some sweets for the sweetest lady," Taimur said as he sat on the couch beside me, offering the sweets. In the next moment, I heard Asad's slight laugh.

"Sweet? And her?" he muttered, and then I felt his hand on my waist again. Not again! I wanted to scream.

Just a minute ago Mr Red Flag was so engrossed in his phone, why couldn't he just stay glued to it!

I wanted to have the sweets, but I couldn't take the risk. I had no idea what Asad would do to my neck again. But wait, why am I scared? Taimur is my friend, so why am I worrying about what Asad thinks?

"I'm full, Taimur, but thank you for offering," I politely declined with a smile, as I had no desire to deal with this mafia's threats, jealousy, and whispers. I was done for today.

Taimur smiled kindly, though I could sense a bit of disappointment. The strange thing was that Taimur was acting differently, and it made me uncomfortable.

Whereas Asad felt more real, less fake, and the worst part was that I actually felt uncomfortable when Taimur touched my waist earlier, but when Asad did, it didn't feel wrong. But why?

"Just as you refused now, if you had refused him to touch you earlier, I wouldn't have punished your neck, love!" Asad whispered in my ear, pulling me even closer to him, his hand still resting on my waist. I looked at him, only to see him giving death glares to Taimur. When I looked at Taimur, his eyes were fixed on Asad's hand on my waist.

What is wrong with these two? Both are psychopaths, my heart exclaimed, seeing their sudden hatred toward each other for no reason!

After about half an hour, everyone started arriving-Ammi, Dad, Ayesha, Jasmine, Asad's family, and his friends.

"Shall we go home now?" Dad was saying to Asad's dad.

I checked my watch, it was almost 11 PM.

"Aleena, come," Dad called me, and before I could go to him, Asad grabbed my hand.

"I'll drop her off, Uncle," he smiled and said to Dad.

"But, son-"

"She's my fiancee. If not full, I have at least some right on her. And I promise to get your daughter home safe and sound, Uncle," Asad assured my dad with a smile.

For some reason, his smile seemed genuine, and the way he was softly caressing my hand while speaking made me feel a bit comfortable with him.

His soft side hits differently than his cold nature.

"We trust you, Asad," Dad said calmly, caressing my head.

Dad trusts him? And what about me-do I trust him? Should I go with him?

"I'm not-"

"Thank you, Uncle," Asad interrupted me and took me with him.

I didn't even get a chance to see Ayesha and Jasmine, as this mafia guy whisked me away at full speed.



"What's your problem, Asad?" she burst out as soon as we reached the parking lot.

"You," I said firmly, still walking beside her or more like dragging her. She's way more stubborn than I thought.

"If you have such a big problem with me, then why are you even taking me, Asad?" She started scolding me. And it's fine-I've gotten used to it. I mean, everything is fine with her except when she calls me by my name. Why-just why-does my heart refuse to come to its senses every time she says my name?

"Don't say my name," I said, trying to be as stern as possible while I searched for my key.

"Then what should I call you? Mafia?----" She stopped midway as soon as her gaze fell on my car.

Aleena's steps automatically led her towards my car. I let go of her hand. Slowly, she approached it and touched it like she'd just discovered something new.

"Is this your car?" She turned to me and asked so softly that my foolish heart started beating for no reason.

"Yes," I said, avoiding eye contact.

"Never knew cars could be this beautiful," she exclaimed, looking at my Rolls-Royce.

"Asad," she said my name, and in that moment, I wanted to run far away from her.

"You say I'm your fiancee, right?" Aleena's tone was sweet for the first time as she walked towards me.

"So, that means I have rights over your car too, right? So, can I have your car-"

"Keep dreaming," I interrupted before she could finish her sentence. Now I understood why that sweet, soft voice came from her.

"Please," she insisted, and I instantly turned towards her in shock. Did she just say 'please'?

"What did you say?" I asked, needing confirmation because Aleena Nasr is definitely not the type to request anything, especially from me!

"I... I mean, I need your car," she stammered, trying to explain.

"You can't order me," I said with a smirk.

"Can I have your car, Asad?" she asked softly, stepping closer to me. And here I was, traumatized. Just a moment ago, she was lashing out at me like fire, and now she's acting like a cute kid!

"Something's missing in your statement", I have no idea why I'm doing this.

"What?----"

"What?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.

"Mr. Asad, can I PLEASE have your car?" Aleena finally requested through gritted teeth.

"No!" I said and opened the passenger door for her.

I waited for her to sit, but she didn't seem in the mood to come over. Her face was flushed with anger, and right now, she looked like the most beautiful woman in the world-stop it, Asad, I reminded myself. Sometimes it feels like I'm dealing with two versions of myself!

"Sit. I'm getting late," I said, pointing to the door.

"I will take this car from you!" she declared, walking towards me with full force. I placed my hand on the car, just in case she hurt her head.

And the craziest part is, she threatened as if it's her car and I am the one who stole it from her!

I started the car, then glanced at her as she gazed out the window with a calm smile. Suddenly, her words from earlier in the room echoed in my mind.

"Who is he, Aleena?" I asked, tightening my grip on the steering wheel.

"Who is who?" She instantly turned towards me, her face showing pure confusion.

"The person you love," I said, my voice calm, though my heart was burning. Our eyes finally met-mine filled with frustration or perhaps something deeper. Her eyes, however, revealed nothing.

"Asad, I-"

"Just give me his name," I demanded, my voice low but laced with unresolved emotions.

"There is no one in my life. I lied to you," she said casually, then looked back out the window. And here, an unknown sense of peace washed over me, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. Even the thought of her being with someone else terrified me, but why? What's happening to me? Why can't I imagine her with anyone but me?

Despite how much I claim to hate her, why is she the only woman who has occupied my mind for the past three years? And now, she's taking control over my heart too.

With a satisfied expression, I started the car. Aleena was busy admiring the beautiful road, and I was driving in peace until her voice broke the silence.

"This is not the way to my home. Where are you taking me, Asad?" she asked firmly, looking at me. I glanced back at her, then ignored her question and took another left.

"Tell me, or else stop the car right now," she insisted more firmly. I felt the urge to zip her lips, but my freaking ears are obsessed with her voice. And I can't take any risk with her.

"Stop the car, Asad-"

"I'm hungry. We're going to a restaurant. Got your answer? Now behave like a good woman," I said while driving, not daring to look at her and see her giving me death glares again.

"Just admit it, you can't stand to see her hungry, Asad," my inner voice taunted.

"I'm really hungry," I justified to myself.

"Are you sure it's you who's hungry, or are you just worried she hasn't eaten?" I couldn't deal with myself anymore. Ignoring everything, I stopped the car in front of the restaurant and got out to open the door for Ms. Nasr.

I extended my hand, thinking she might take it. As expected, she ignored it and got out, but her veil got stuck in the car. Before she could tear it in her hurry, I carefully removed it and adjusted it so it wouldn't get tangled in her legs.

"Thank you," Aleena murmured softly.

I didn't respond and walked behind her as the waiter opened the door for us. We walked in, and we noticed the restaurant was empty.

"I guess it's their closing time. Let's go," Aleena said innocently, turning around to leave. But I grabbed her hand, stopping her.

"It's not closing time. It's empty because I booked it for us," I said calmly, guiding her to one of the chairs.

"What?" Aleena asked, a bit shocked, and I pulled out the chair for her.

"What, what? It's 12 AM. Do you think any restaurant will be open at this hour without reservations?" I asked, still waiting for her to sit.

Aleena didn't respond but started looking around the luxurious restaurant.

"Sit," I commanded.

"You don't have to act like a gentleman here," Aleena taunted as she sat down.

"It's not an act. It's just a gesture of respect," I corrected her before taking my seat.

"So you respect me?" Aleena asked, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and something else I couldn't quite figure out.

"Let's order," I said, trying to change the topic.

"I'm not eating anything. You finish your meal so we can go home soon," This woman constantly gives me reasons to be frustrated. I mean.... Am I insane to book the whole freaking restaurant for her only to hear her say she doesn't want to eat anything?!

"Ms. Aleena, we will not leave until you eat!" I said firmly, done with her antics.

"I'm-"

"You're eating, and that's the end of the discussion," I interrupted, handing her the menu.

She gave me her usual death glare but finally took the menu in her hands.

I sighed in relief.

As Ms. Nasr was looking through the menu, the waiter arrived to take our order.

"Don't you have grilled chicken with hot buns?" she asked the waiter.

The waiter gave her an awkward smile, then glanced at me. I was just as confused by his reaction.

"We don't serve that, ma'am, but we have many other Italian dishes you could try," he suggested to Aleena.

"So you're telling me you don't have grilled chicken?" She wasn't showing any mercy, even to this poor waiter, and her tone was soft, but her words were sharp.

"This is an Italian restaurant, Aleena," I reminded her.

"So you're telling me Indian chefs can't cook Indian dishes?" she exclaimed so firmly that I backed away, completely done with her.

"Bring whatever madam is asking for," I said, giving up on her antics because even I couldn't handle her anymore.

"But sir-"

"Are you bringing it?" I asked, raising my eyebrows and giving him a sharp look.

"A-And your order, sir?" he stuttered, asking nervously.

"Bring whatever madam is ordering." I finished looking at her.

And Miss Aleena started ordering dish after dish. Just a few minutes ago, she claimed she wouldn't eat, and now?

After a few minutes, the dishes were served at the table, all of which were completely different from the menu items.

"Aren't you hungry now?" she asked, picking up the hot naan from the plate and offering it to me.

"I am," I said, trying to play along. She placed the bread down and began serving me.

"I can do it myself," I said, trying to refuse her help.

"Suit yourself," she replied, not caring about my words, and began eating her beloved dishes.

"Ummm, it's delicious, Asad! Try this one," Aleena exclaimed excitedly, placing more than three pieces of chicken on my plate.

During the entire dinner, she kept praising the dishes, smiling as each bite seemed to reach her heart, and serving me whatever she liked. Meanwhile, I quietly ate everything she placed on my plate.

"Are you full now?" I asked, trying not to sound sarcastic.

"Thank you, Asad," Aleena said, looking at me with a warm smile.

"L-let's go," I stammered, doing my best to act normal, but it seemed like my heart was betraying me. I'm afraid of her smile now!

Without saying another word, I stood up and waited for her to get up. She took her time, grabbing her purse and adjusting her outfit.

She walked ahead, and I followed her. I can't help but be impressed by the way she walks. She has this whole mafia vibe with her outfit, her walk, her gaze-everything. But when she talks to me, she feels more like a stubborn child, and I feel like I'm arguing with a kid rather than a heartless CEO!

As we were on the way to reach her mansion, my gaze fell on a medical store by the street. I stopped the car and was about to get out.

"What happened?" Aleena asked, watching me.

"I'll be back," I replied, stepping out.

I walked to the store and began looking for what I needed.

"Can I help you, sir?" a man in his twenties asked.

"Um... actually, do you have an antibiotic cream for healing marks?" I asked casually.

"Yes, of course, we have that," he replied, packing the cream in a bag. After paying, I returned to the car and handed her the bag.

"What's this now?" Aleena asked, confused, like a curious child, as she began opening it to see what was inside.

"Antiseptic cream for you," I said casually while starting the car.

"What happened to me?" Aleena asked, looking at herself.

"On the left side of your neck, just below your veil, there's a red mark. The cream should help with that," I explained, only to see her giving me a mix of expressions-shock, her usual death glares, and a slight blush forming on her cheeks. That blush was the cherry on top of her glares.

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𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀! ❤

I hope you're all enjoying a relaxing weekend. I'm thrilled to present the latest chapter, which offers both perspectives in a longer format for you to dive into!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts, favorite lines, and opinions on the characters. Your feedback means the world to me, so please share your reactions!

Also, if you could help me reach my goal of 𝟮𝟵𝟵+ 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟵𝟵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, I would truly appreciate it!

Happy reading!

With love, Author Almas ❤

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𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 :



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