What is he planning now? I wondered while packing my things into the suitcase. After Asad left, angry for no reason, he told me to be ready, so I went straight to ask Dad what he was talking about. Only to find out that Asad had arranged a small get-together and invited all of us. But since Dad and Mom had to leave for a business trip for three days, it would now just be the three of us, attending his party and staying there for the whole time.

Great! He's even started ordering my dad around! I wanted to scream, not wanting to see his face, and now I'm forced to be around him for three whole days. I was more shocked than surprised to learn that he could even be social enough to organize a party-because, as far as I know him, he isn't the type for small talk. And yet, here I am, worried about his injury. He walked out as if it was just a minor cut. If it were me, I would've screamed and broken a few things, but this stone-hearted mafia can't even feel pain.

I genuinely wanted to help him, but no, Mr. Red Flag doesn't want to listen to me; instead, he wants me to listen to him.

But how could I not notice his appearance? My jaw dropped at the sight of him-the way his jaw clenched when he looked at Taimur, the way his dark gray eyes seemed to deepen when he stared at me. It made me think things I don't even want to consider. And yet, that Armani black suit he wore, fitting his sculpted body perfectly... I still can't believe someone could look so flawless, as perfect as fine wine with a heart of stone, void of emotions except for jealousy and a fierce urge to break us both into pieces we might never be able to pick up.

No matter how stern I act toward him, I still feel concerned about his injury. I just hope he bandaged it.

I was already frustrated with Taimur's sudden visit to my house, and now with Asad's anger. Feeling completely exasperated, I went back to the garden. As I stepped down, I saw the maids picking up broken pieces and cleaning up drops on the ground. Ignoring it, I sat down on a chair, opened my laptop, and tried my best to focus on work, but all I could think about was him.

Why does he claim to hate me so much? What was really behind that deal? As far as I know, it was just a simple deal that didn't meet the profit we wanted, so we declined it politely. But what caused him to hate me so deeply over a simple "no"? A sudden curiosity to know more about him and his deal sparked within me, and I called my secretary.

"Suzy, send me all the details about the deal from three years ago with the Asad..." Not now! I screamed internally, realizing I didn't even know his last name.

"Hold on, Suzy," I said, and got up, heading to Dad's room. On my way, an envelope on the dining table caught my attention. I picked it up and opened it to find an invitation card from Asad Riaz. Riaz? So that's his last name. Good! A wave of satisfaction washed over me, knowing I didn't have to ask Dad for my fiance's last name.

With his card in hand, I returned to my seat and called Suzy again.

"Yes, Suzy, gather as much information as you can about Asad Riaz and his deal and send it to me as soon as possible," I said, before checking my emails to see if he'd sent any personal messages.

I was fully engrossed in my work until I sensed someone behind me. I turned around to see Ayesha placing a cup of hot coffee beside me and taking a seat across from me, looking utterly frustrated as she focused on her phone.

"What's wrong?" I asked, noticing her unusual silence.

"Nothing much," Ayesha replied, not looking up, and took a sip of her coffee while staring at her phone.

"Waiting for Dr. Zaid's message?" I tried not to tease her and asked casually.

"Yes! No!" It seemed even Dr. Hayat was unsure if she was waiting for his message, but her anticipation showed she definitely was.

"I mean, if someone texts you every day and then suddenly stops, what does that mean?" Ayesha murmured to herself, so focused on her phone that her whisper was louder than intended.

"I don't know about others, but maybe Dr. Zaid is giving you the 'time' you asked for," I emphasized, hinting that she was indeed in love with that sweet, clueless doctor who only has eyes for her.

"Is he? But even if he didn't call, he could've at least texted me. Aleena, it's been almost three hours, and not a single message from him," Ayesha's frustration intensified, much like the hot weather.

At this point, I wasn't sure who was hotter, the blazing sun or the fuming Ayesha-who looked adorable while angry.

"What's your problem, Ayesha? If Dr. Zaid tries to get closer to you, you push him away. And if he's keeping his distance, why are you so worried? Maybe it's time to decide if you want him or not," I said, done with her mixed signals, which changed as frequently as the weather.

"It's just... I'm used to him!" Finally, something honest came out of her mouth about Dr. Zaid!

"If he's not calling, why don't you call him?" I suggested, taking a sip of my now-cold coffee, which had cooled down during our important talk.

"I did!" Her irritation flared, which meant Dr. Zaid was in trouble.

"I called him over five times, and Mr. Rude isn't answering!" Ayesha's voice and face radiated frustration that could explode at any moment. Little did I know she'd take her anger out on her poor phone, practically assaulting the screen with her long, sharp nails.

"So you're mad at him?" I tried to sound calm.

"No, I'm worried." I was shocked-that was her idea of worry? I dreaded seeing her anger, especially with the way she was typing. I half-expected her to dig those nails into Dr. Zaid's soft skin just because she was "worried."

Seeing Ayesha like this, I fully agreed with Dr. Zaid calling her a "dangerous woman." She truly was, and yet we all loved her. I didn't even know why I loved her so much as a best friend, but I knew I couldn't stay away from her either. Like Ayesha said, I am used to her.

"Well, we need to be ready by 5 o'clock, as Asad has organized a party," I informed her, handing her the invitation card.

Ayesha took the card and immediately stood up.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? I'm not even dressed yet, Aleena!" she burst out, and instead of answering, I glanced at her outfit. She was already wearing a black top, black jacket on it with blue cargo jeans, her slightly curly hair down, and minimal jewelry-she looked like a model and claimed she wasn't dressed yet. Really Hayat?

Dr. Zaid would faint just seeing her like this. Actually, any man would. She had everything: long hair, dark eyes, rosy cheeks, an adorable nose, full lips, and a well-defined collarbone that enhanced her beauty.

Sometimes, I found myself crushing on her until I remembered I had the best man out there-a perfectly built figure, a chiseled chest! Aleena, control your hormones! And that black hair I desperately wanted to ruffle!

"Inform Jasmine too; she might be sleeping," Ayesha rushed to the hall, and I checked the time to see it was already 11 a.m., and our "poor engineer"-correction, "pro hacker"-was still dreaming about her lawyer.

Closing my laptop, I headed to my room and found Jasmine snoring like a horse. She was really going to ruin our reputation with this behavior-she snored just like a horse. I feared for her future husband. I removed her blanket, but she didn't budge, so I poured a jug of water on her. She don't sleep; she goes into a coma. This was how we-Ayesha, her parents, and I-always woke her up. Best idea ever.

"Aleena!" I heard her scream as she sat up, still with her eyes half-closed. I guided her to the bathroom and pushed her inside. Once she was occupied, I informed her about the event and went to pack my things.

Exactly at 5 p.m., we found ourselves at the entrance, waiting for Asad to arrive.

I wore a black silk gown that fit me perfectly, with my hair down, simple earrings, and black YSL heels.

Ayesha was dressed in a white long shiny gown with fitted sleeves, her Viton heels matching the fitted gown, and she left her long hair loose.

And Jasmine was adored in a light blue, body-fitting gown that highlighted her curves, with her hair braided, giving off "Frozen" vibes-the cold beauty. Her glass heels made her look like a real-life princess.

We decided to dress here, as it would take over three hours to reach the resort, and the party might start before we arrive.

Exactly ten minutes later, though it felt like an eternity, a black Mercedes entered the gate and stopped in front of us. One of our maids opened the door, and the man stepped out.

"Asad?" I blurted out. My eyes first went to his left hand, which was now bandaged, and a wave of relief washed over me. Then, I looked at his outfit.

Had he not changed? Had he been out all this time? He was still wearing the same black Armani suit, black trousers, polished black shoes, with that same cold expression on his perfect face. It's almost unfair how effortlessly perfect he looks at any time. His black hair was slightly messy, just like I had imagined if I were to ruffle it. Even with his hair slightly tousled, he looked nothing short of a Greek statue, as if he doesn't even need to try to look perfect.

Seeing him in black did things to my already crazy heart, and even my stomach was acting up. And my brain? It doesn't even function when he's around, so I'll just skip talking about that.

"I hope I'm not late," he said calmly, walking toward us, though his face held no expression of apology.

"We might forgive you if you order the best dishes for us out there," Jasmine stepped forward and answered with a grin on her face.

Asad looked a bit surprised, but then a small smile crept onto his face.

He smiles? I'm getting too many shocks here. And yet, it's hard to handle when he's standing right in front of me, staring at me like he could bury me with those intense stares. His gray eyes showed no emotion, but they were entirely sinful. He is a sin. And my eyes are greedily taking in this sinful sight.

"Let's go then," Ayesha interrupted the silent exchange between Asad and me. Like a true gentleman, he opened the car door for Ayesha and Jasmine in the back and then opened the passenger door for me.

He looked at me, as if he was about to say something, but then turned away, keeping his grip on the car door. Taking slow steps, I walked toward the door, feeling my heart pound faster with each step closer to him.

Avoiding his gaze, I smoothly sat down, and his cologne immediately hit my nose, making it even harder to breathe. A few moments later, Asad took his seat and started driving. The entire drive was filled with chatter from we three best friends, with Asad occasionally joining in. Lets say, he did ask if we wanted anything, if we were hungry, or if we wanted tea or coffee. Those were his "small talks." Cute, though.

But throughout the drive, he didn't speak to me. He spoke to Ayesha and Jasmine, giving me the full silent treatment. I have no idea why, but apparently, in his mind, I'd done something huge that I shouldn't have.

We reached the resort in the evening around 7:30. Asad stopped the car at the entrance, and before we could open the doors, he got out and all three door opened at once.

Asad opened my door, Dr. Zaid extended his hand for Ayesha in the back, and Rehan stood there like a statue after opening his door. Then, I looked at Asad, who didn't give me a single glance and just looked up at the sky. So, the sky is more beautiful than me, huh? I suddenly felt a pang of jealousy. If he's going to ignore me, then why play the gentleman? If you're ignoring me, then actually ignore me! My heart wanted to scream at him, but I controlled my emotions and desire to lash out, smiled brightly, got out, and purposely held his hand.

I saw him turn toward me, his expression softening for a moment-it was something like peace. I'm sure it was peace, but for what? Did he feel peace looking at the dark sky? Maybe... since I could never be his peace. Not that I wanted to be; instead, I just want to be his headache, the kind he can't live without-and I'm going to make that happen.

As we walked, I saw Ayesha storming past Dr. Zaid. Her "angry woman" mode was on now, and it was Zaid's turn to be worried. To my left, Jasmine and Rehan walked in complete silence. Rehan's face showed nothing, while Jasmine, walking beside her crush, was on cloud nine. Her face glowed with the happiest expression I'd ever seen.

I walked ahead and released Asad's hand, not wanting to make him uncomfortable if he wasn't ready to talk to me. But even for that brief moment, his touch soothed me; I felt a calmness around him. Even though he looks dangerous, I feel safe with him, as if he'd protect me and let nothing harm me. I know these are just false hopes, but what's wrong with hoping for something positive instead of getting anxious over negative possibilities?



Am I getting addicted to her? And if I am, then I don't think I'll ever recover, because this addiction is more dangerous than death itself. It's becoming impossible to hate her when all I crave now is her-her presence, her touch, her fragrance, her voice, her eyes-her entire existence with me!

When she held my hand, a wave of pure peace washed over me, and her simple touch erased all the worries I'd been carrying since the morning. Her touch is as soft as a feather, delicate enough to be blown away by the wind, but I don't want her to slip away from me. I know my heart is surrendering to her, while my mind fights to hold on, yet my eyes can't look away from her.

Before Aleena could walk away, I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her closer, holding her tightly against me. This is what I need-her being so close that there's no space left between us. She looked at me, and I found myself lost in her deep black eyes. They're like an endless ocean, one I'm ready to drown in... or maybe I already am.

"How's your injury?" she asked, her concern showing in every feature of her beautiful face.

"Better," I replied, my voice coming out cold.

But looking at her, it was getting harder to keep up the cold act, because I was craving to hear her voice, to hear her call me Asad. I never thought my name could sound so good coming from anyone, but she isn't just anyone. She's mine-my fiancee, my future wife, my destruction, my medicine, my downfall, and my salvation.

"Let's go," I said, tightening my grip on her small waist as we started walking. I wanted everyone around us to know who she belonged to, to make it clear that no one else could dare look at her. I had no interest in mingling with people or introducing her to any of my business partners, so I led her over to the juice counter. Aleena sat down without saying a word, and I stayed silent as well-both of us equally stubborn.

Standing beside her, I glanced around at the decor, all themed in black-darkness, much like our personalities, hiding secrets we're both afraid to reveal. But to my surprise, even the decorations paled in comparison to Aleena; her presence exuded a darkness far deeper and more intense than the theme itself.

"What would you like to drink?" I finally gave in and started the conversation.

"Anything, as long as it's not alcohol," Aleena replied, turning her gaze toward me.

"There's no alcohol here," I replied with the same intensity she was giving me.

"And yet, you're this addictive, Mr Riaz." I noticed she didn't blink, and suddenly a silent staring contest began between us. Neither of us dared to break eye contact.

"Blink," I ordered.

"You still think I'll obey you, Mr. Riaz?" she challenged, her defiance making my gaze darken. Great. She kept giving me reasons to get frustrated with her over and over.

Asad. It's Asad for you, crazy woman, my heart screamed, wishing I could tell her to call me by my name.

"If you don't, I have my own ways to make those eyes close in front of me... or beneath me," I smirked, as the conversation took a turn from formal to something deeper, a path I'd probably regret later.

"I don't think you have the courage to make me shut my eyes!" she replied. This woman was truly impossible. My veins tensed at her statement, and without thinking much, I moved closer to her.

I held her soft cheek, gently caressing it until my thumb reached her full, red lips. My rough thumb rested on her soft lips, and I saw Aleena's boldness fade instantly from my mere touch.

"Will you blink, or should I-"

Before I could finish, she blinked and turned her head, looking away at the crowd, who seemed captivated by the beauties around.

Asad won, Aleena lost.

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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 𝟑𝟗𝟗+ 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟏𝟗𝟗+ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, I would truly appreciate it!

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