It was around 1:00 a.m. when Ayesha and I stood at the entrance of the farmhouse. The cold breeze made us shiver, yet neither of us moved an inch. As I glanced at her, I realized I was in love with her silence too. When she speaks, I hang on to her every word, and when she doesn't, I find myself listening to her breathing.

I admire every little detail about her-the way her black eyes make me forget who I am, her chubby cheeks that lift when she laughs, and her red nose where her anger seems to have taken up permanent residence. Her red lips are a temptation I constantly fight against, and her hair-oh, how I wish to ruffle it freely. At this point I've come to understand just how deeply and madly I've fallen for Ayesha Hayat.

"How long are you planning to ignore me, cupcake?" I asked, taking a step closer. She stood still, not daring to look at me, her gaze fixed on the ground. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to lie down where her eyes were focused-at least then, I'd be able to see that beautiful face that holds my entire world.

"I'm not ignoring you," she responded curtly.

Oh, really? According to her, the past three hours-where I did everything possible to talk to her, only for her to avoid me at every turn and refuse to come near me-weren't considered ignoring?

"Are you, by any chance, uncomfortable around me, Ms. Hayat-"

"Absolutely not," she interrupted firmly, her tone so resolute it silenced me immediately.

"Then why are you ignoring me, Ayesha?" This time, my voice was firm, though I couldn't hide the restlessness within me.

"I'm just a little shy," came her adorable reply, and the sight of her chubby cheeks turning red only made me weaker.

"My cupcake knows the meaning of being shy?" I teased, stepping closer to her.

As I moved, she finally looked up, shooting me a death glare. Those eyes-they hit me like a blow every time. They're enough to make me lose control and do things I don't even dare to imagine.

"Done?" she asked sternly.

"Not yet," I replied boldly, stepping even closer. Ayesha's back hit the car, and I placed one hand on it, leaning in slightly, closing the distance between us.

"What do you need now?" she asked, her voice laced with exasperation. She looked utterly adorable when she acted like herself.

"Just want to finish what we left in the room," I said, a mischievous smile playing on my lips as I took another step closer. At my words, her eyes widened in shock, and her chubby cheeks began to betray her, turning a deeper shade of red.

"Don't you have any better work to do?" she snapped, her tone dripping with pure sarcasm. If I were a gentleman, I might have felt ashamed-but unfortunately, I'm not.

I placed my other hand on the car, effectively caging her between me and the cold metal, leaving her no room to escape.

"Done with the work, now it's time to be with my peace. And trust me, Ayesha, this is the best thing I could do for myself," I whispered near her ear in a deep voice as I leaned in. The moment I said those words, I realized I couldn't hear her breathing. My heart raced wildly, and a crazy thought crossed my mind-I'd taken her breath away.

"Breathe, cupcake, before I stop breathing myself," I said, a sudden wave of uneasiness washing over me when she still didn't respond.

I looked at her. Her gaze was fixed on the ground again, and in that moment, she looked like the most beautiful woman on earth. Her hair was tied in a messy bun-simple, yet it captivated me. Her hands were clasped together, trying to fend off the cold breeze that made her shiver even more.

I bent down to her height and softly kissed just beneath her ear. As my lips touched her silky skin, I felt her hands press against my chest. Even though I was fully clothed, the sensation of her touch sent waves of goosebumps through me. I thought she'd be affected by my touch, but her mere touch on me was enough to render me utterly weak before her.

If this woman ever knew how much I loved her, how much I thought about her, admired her, and cherished her, she'd be jealous of herself. Day by day, it's becoming harder to stay away from her. I want to make her mine again.

I made a mistake once-I can't repeat it. I lost her once, but not this time. If I lose her again, I won't survive. She's the only person I need in my life, and nothing else matters.

"Don't worry, cupcake. I won't kiss you until you say yes," I assured her, lifting her chin gently so I could see my angry woman's face which is glowing brighter than the moon.

"How long will you wait, Dr. Zaid?" she asked, her voice not carrying the weight of a question but the hope of undeniable assurance.

And the word "wait" itself felt like a curse.

"Until my last breath," I replied, gazing deeply into her dark eyes. My words weren't just reassurance; they were a promise to myself. Because there's no way I could ever fall for anyone else. She was my first, and she'll remain my first until my last breath on this earth.

"Words aren't enough. Efforts matter," she replied, looking away. Her words brought a small, helpless smile to my face.

Of course, efforts matter. If they didn't, I wouldn't still be waiting for her.

"Eight years of effort isn't enough, cupcake?" My voice cracked, and the vulnerability in it made her look at me. The sudden urge to break down in her arms overwhelmed me, but I held it back. I couldn't show her that side of me. She should never know about our miserable past; otherwise, this time, even the broken pieces wouldn't remain.

"Eight years?" Ayesha's confusion was evident. According to her, we'd known each other for only seven years. How could I tell her about that one year that changed everything and separated me from her? How could I explain it to her

"I... I mean seven years," I lied, because it was necessary. I didn't want her to remember even a second of that one year.

"Is it true that love is so powerful it makes you want to give your entire life to someone?" Ayesha's eyes were filled with emotions I couldn't decipher.

"This is how Love is, Ayesha. It's something that makes a person ready to lose everything just to have that one particular person. But do you know what's even worse?" I asked, my voice unable to hide the buried pain I carried.

"What?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Getting so used to their presence that life feels empty without them," I said, indirectly confessing just how much she meant to me, how much I craved to spend my entire lifetime with her.

"Ayesha," I whispered softly.

"Yes?" she responded, looking at me with a calm expression.

"Can you embrace me for a few minutes?" I requested, as a sudden restlessness overtook me. Only she could bring me peace. Isn't it ironic that, despite being a doctor, I crave human presence more than medicine to cure myself?

I never imagined I would fall in love. But on the first day of our second year on campus, when she walked into my life-wearing those big glasses, her hair in a messy bun, her red nose flaring with anger as she talked to her friend, an embroidered tote bag hanging loosely on her shoulder, and dressed in loose black cargo pants paired with a perfectly fitted black shirt-and that's all it took for me to fall for her.

"Sure," her voice brought me back to the present as she stepped closer and embraced me gently, softly caressing my back.

I rested my head on her shoulder, holding her tightly as if she were my second skin. Her warmth melted away all my worries, fears, and sorrows. It was as if all my mistakes and burdens evaporated in her presence.

"I don't know what you're going through, Dr. Zaid," she whispered, "But know this-I'll always be here whenever you need an embrace." Her words, along with her presence, worked like medicine for my troubled soul.

"I'm blessed to have you in my life, Hayat. Just know that I'll always need your embrace," I murmured, snuggling deeper into her shoulder.

After five minutes of peaceful silence, I finally let go and softly kissed her forehead.

"Are you feeling better now?" she asked, her hands gently cupping my cheeks, caressing them. Her touch made my heartbeat quicken.

"I feel better now," I reassured her, and she let out a sigh of relief.

"What's your plan for tomorrow?" she asked, trying to change the subject, and I willingly went along with it.

"Depends on your plan," I replied with a genuine smile, which made her blush instantly.

"Well, I am willing to make chocolate pastries for everyone, I need to check on a few patients in the afternoon, I'll need a hot cup of coffee in the evening, and... if someone wants to spend time with me, I'll be free," she said cheerfully, her voice filling me with joy.

"And if that someone wants to take you out in the evening, would you go with him?" I asked indirectly, nervously crossing my fingers, hoping for a yes.

"Sure, if that someone buys me cupcakes," she teased, and I found myself enjoying her playful side far more than her usual taunts or anger.

"As you wish, your highness," I chuckled softly. She burst out laughing, and I once again lost myself in her beauty.

I often wonder how God could send someone like her into this world. But I'm endlessly grateful to exist in the same world as her.

"Let's go in," I said, extending my hand toward her.

She slowly reached out, and I gently held her bandaged hand in mine. With calm, measured steps, we climbed the stairs and entered the house. Inside, Aleena was sitting on the couch, watching Jasmine, who was busy taking pictures of the mansion. Opposite to Aleena sat her fiance, staring deeply into her soul, as if nothing else existed around him.

The only person missing was Rehan, and I was certain that the lawyer must have fallen asleep by now.

I showed the three ladies to their rooms and then returned to sit beside Asad, who was still staring at the now-empty couch where Aleena had been sitting just moments ago.

"What's on your mind now, Asad? Don't think about destroying her-"

"I don't think I can do that anymore," he interrupted, his words leaving me speechless.

"So, you've dropped the idea of revenge?" I asked, just as a servant brought over two cups of coffee and placed the tray on the table.

"Not for now," he replied firmly, though his expression told a different story.

"So, what about work? Who's our next target?" I tried to steer the conversation to something else since it had been days since we last discussed our assignments.

"We'll talk about work once we're back in the U.S.," he said. "Right now, my only focus is on her." Asad's tone was different from yesterday. Something had changed in him-or perhaps, someone was changing him.

I nodded in response, and we both picked up our coffee cups and headed to our respective rooms to rest.



As I entered my bedroom, holding the cup of hot coffee, I walked straight to the balcony, from where her room was clearly visible to me.

As the creamish-white curtains were drawn, I couldn't see her. A sudden urge to talk to her erupted inside me. What is wrong with me? Why am I getting attached to her when she is the reason I lost everything? Then why does my heart still long for her presence?

Trying to calm myself, I took a sip of coffee, but the view in front of me was far from calming. I wanted to see her again.

And then, out of nowhere, a sudden urge to irritate her was born. I grabbed my phone and messaged her.

Me: Your awake?

Delivered at 2:00 am

One second, two seconds, three seconds-no response. I waited patiently. One minute, two minutes... and just as I was about to count the next, the message vanished in an instant.

No way. She did this..

I immediately called her, only to find her line busy.

Who is she talking to at this hour? A wave of uneasiness washed over me, and I thoroughly hated myself for being this impatient for one response from her. It's insane! People wait for my "yes" to close deals, for one "hello" at business parties, and here I am, waiting for one message from this five-foot firecracker.

After 10 minutes, I called her again, only to get the same response. At this point, it became crystal clear-she had blocked me.

She freaking blocked Asad Riaz!

I instantly opened her Instagram profile and sent her a message.

Me: Aleena Nasr, I need to talk to you right now!

I typed through gritted teeth, unable to handle her ignorance.

As soon as I refreshed her profile, it vanished in seconds.

What is wrong with this woman? Did she block me here too?

Now, there was only one option left-to go to her room and talk to her in person. I had never lost my temper like this before, but the way she was making me feel right now was driving me insane.

With steady steps, I marched to her room and knocked. No response.

After two minutes, I knocked again, and this time, the door opened on its own. I slowly peeked inside, only to find the room empty.

She isn't in her room?

Then where is she?

She has decided that she'll give me heart attacks with her absence.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves, and just as I inhaled the fresh air, her laugh echoed in my ears, making me instantly open my eyes. My gaze shifted toward the room from where her laughter was coming.

I turned to the left, and Dr. Hayat's room came into view. Was she there?

Was it appropriate to knock on someone else's door except Aleena's?

I was deeply conflicted, but instead of overthinking and letting my restlessness consume me all night, I decided to knock.

"Who's there?" came her loud voice from inside.

"Asad," I replied sternly, standing straight, not even realizing I was still holding my cup of coffee.

I heard footsteps, and within seconds, she was standing in front of me, eyeing me from head to toe with sharp, piercing eyes.

And in that moment, I forgot to blink.

She was wearing a light blue nightgown, perfectly fitting her figure.

"Shall I close the door now?" She asked the most weird question right now with that innocent look.

"Let me speak first," I replied firmly, trying to maintain my composure, even though my hands itched to pull her close to me, wrap my arms around her waist, and let my lips explore the collarbone that was now my new weakness.

I gulped hard, trying to steady myself, and for a moment, completely forgot why I had come here-until my gaze fell on her phone in her hand.

"You blocked me everywhere?" I asked, forcing my cold demeanor to return. My eyes, however, betrayed me as they lingered on her lips, fresh and pink, making them all the more irresistible.

She pouted in response, and her lips became even more addictive. My hands almost reached out to touch her, but I restrained myself. I held back everything I wanted to do with her because I was still uncertain-did I desire her, or did I need her? Until I could answer those questions, I couldn't let myself cross the line

"I don't text anyone after 9, Mr. Asad," she said casually, flipping her open hair. As she turned to close the door, her hair lightly brushed against my face.

"This isn't fair, Aleena," I said, her name slipping from my lips.

She stopped in her tracks, and a light crimson blush spread across her cheeks.

"Good night, Asad."

Her soft tone will be the death of me. With those words, she closed the door right in front of me. I stood unmoving, replaying her voice calling me Asad, still enveloped by her soothing scent and the feel of her silky black hair brushing against my face.

Calming my erratic heartbeat, I returned to my room and called one of my staff.

"Bring a brown letter paper to my room," I said, cutting the call before heading toward my wardrobe to pick out casual clothes.

After changing into a blue T-shirt and grey tracks, I walked toward my balcony and sat down on the floor. The fresh air sent shivers through me as I gazed around. The sky was dark, illuminated by a half-moon shining brightly, while the city below sparkled with dim lights.

I took the paper and placed it on my lap, rolling the pen in one hand while resting my chin in the other. I closed my eyes to think, but to my dismay, all I could see was her.

Aleena.

Her deep, ocean-black eyes appeared vividly in my mind.

I still can't believe I'm about to write a letter just to invite her on a date.

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