"Umm... these are pretty delicious, cupcake," I heard his deep, sleepy voice behind me. As I turned to look at him, my entire body froze at the sight. It felt as though every organ in my body had stopped functioning seeing him.

Zaid stood there wearing a white men's vest paired with loose grey tracks. His messy black hair being a beautiful mess, and his light beard just added to his glow. One hand was casually tucked into the pocket of his pants, while the other was picking up the burnt cookies and eating them as if they were the most delicious thing in the world.

Why on earth do you have to look so cute right now, Zaid? My hands itched to run to him and squeeze his fluffy chest- which were tightly shielded by the vest he was wearing.

I'd never seen him without men vest-what's wrong with me? I snapped myself out of my thoughts, realizing they were heading in a direction they shouldn't.

"Don't eat those, Dr. Zaid. They're burnt!" I tried my best to sound normal in front of this man who resembled a perfect sculpture.

"Everything tastes like heaven when you make it, cupcake," those words slipped out so smoothly from his lips, that the affect reached to my cheeks and they again betrayed me.

I had been calmly making pastries and cookies until he arrived and turned my world upside down. Now, I couldn't even remember what I was doing! Without saying another word, I turned back to the table and focused on decorating the cake slices on the plate, pretending he wasn't affecting me.

But I felt his presence behind me. His strong cologne reached my senses, making me weaker by the second.

"Would you like some coffee?" I asked, forcing my voice to remain calm. I didn't dare turn around because he was standing so close that if I moved, our noses might accidentally touch.

"Instead, I'd love to make it for you. Will you drink it?" Zaid's voice carried the same dangerous charm-deep, husky, and addictive. It made my heart flutter uncontrollably. I could feel butterflies going wild in my stomach, and he hadn't even touched me. Crazy, right?

"I will," I responded briefly, trying to keep it simple and safe.

I need my bold personality back. What's wrong with me? Why am I losing myself in front of him? Who does he even think he is to make me feel this way? He's just a mere human, after all-a simple man existing in this world-yet he treats me as if I'm his whole world!

I didn't dare turn back, but I could still sense his presence behind me.

"When are you planning to make the coffee? Now or in the evening?" I threw a taunt at him, trying to mask my nervousness.

He chuckled softly at my remark and, without replying, moved out of my sight.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I slightly turned my head to see him searching for the coffee powder. Within seconds, not just my head but my entire body had turned toward him.

My eyes were busy capturing every detail of Zaid.

He ran a hand through his messy hair as he added the coffee powder to the coffee machine, and somehow, even that simple act looked adorable.

A busy doctor who rarely ever cooks was now making coffee for the two of us.

Whenever he visits my house, he only asks for coffee made by me and never attempts to make it himself. But today, I was witnessing an entirely new side of Zaid.

"Here's your coffee, cupcake," his voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked up to find him walking toward me, holding two cups in his hands. For every step he took forward, I instinctively took two steps back, gripping the cream cone in my right hand like it was my shield.

He didn't say a word, nor did he show any emotion. Yet my entire body was reacting to his slow, deliberate approach.

The sweet torture of his walk went on until my back hit the kitchen shelf. And there he was, standing impossibly close in front of me.

He looked so huge in front of me! I silently resolved I needed to wearing heels even in the day time now!

No way was I going to look up at him. Instead, I dropped my gaze to the floor, but even that was a mistake. I found myself staring at the outline of his abs through his tight fitted vest.

I quickly moved my gaze to the side, only to spot a knife sitting on the fruit basket nearby. A wild thought crept into my mind-the sudden urge to grab it and tear through his vest just to finally see his bare abs---- Shut up, Ayesha! I scolded myself internally. I couldn't believe how much of my innocence I was losing just by being around this man.

"What happened?" I asked impatiently, eager to hear his voice.

"You look beautiful, cupcake," Zaid said seriously, gently stroking my hair and tucking it behind my ear.

"Coffee?" I asked, unsure of what else to say. How could I look beautiful to him? I wasn't wearing any jewelry, barely had any makeup on, and yet, here he was, making me want to melt with his simple gestures.

"Hayat, when will you be free?" Zaid placed the coffee mug beside me and stepped even closer.

"By evening, I guess," I replied, trying to reach for the cup. But he held my hand, softly caressing it, and within seconds, his fingers brushed against my ear, stroking it gently.

I panicked, fearing he might kiss it again. I wasn't in the mood to deal with how my body would betray me under his touch.

"Don't worry, I won't kiss it. I'll just suck-"

"Stop it before I pour the hot coffee on you, Dr. Zaid," I snapped, my stern tone making its return. Did he really think I would melt because of his touch and deep voice? Of course, I would-and that's exactly why I needed him to stop coming closer!

"Fine," he pouted in response.

Damn it, Zaid, don't look this adorable! I cursed myself internally because there was no way someone could look this irresistibly attractive to me.

"Mr. Rude, either give me the coffee or-"

"Or what? What will you do, cupcake?" he teased, clearly enjoying the way he was testing my patience.

"You have no idea, Dr. Zaid, what I'm capable of," I glared at him, determined to maintain my composure.

"Then tell me, Hayat, what can you do? I'm ready to bear it all," he said, his voice turning deeper, more husky, and dangerously alluring.

As if that wasn't enough, he leaned in closer, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

"Will you do something to me, or should I do something, Ayesha?" That was the last straw. The way he said my name-it sounded so intoxicating when it came from his lips. It was as if he had mastered the art of breaking my defenses.

"I-" before I could say anything, he leaned down towards my neck, and his rough lips brushed against my skin.

As he slowly started kissing my neck, I completely gave in to him. First, he's dressed like this. Second, he's looking this hot. Third, his hair is messy. And fourth, his lips are just too addictive.

"What are you doing, Dr. Zaid?" I tried my best to sound stern, but the way he was kissing me was making me lose my voice.

"Punishing you for harming yourself, cupcake," he said, and he kissed me even more. I'm sure he'll leave a mark if I don't push him away, but my hands aren't even moving to push him.

And is he punishing me, or is he sweetly torturing me?

"Tell me, cupcake, will you ever harm yourself again?" Zaid finally pulled away from my poor neck and looked sharply into my eyes. His dark eyes looked even more dangerous now, like a serious mafia boss from the books I read.

I had completely lost the ability to speak. Staring into those eyes, I gulped hard. For the first time in front of him, I just nodded my head, and he smiled softly. The dangerous look on his face had vanished.

How on earth can he change his personality in seconds? And how can he smile like that after making me lose my breath?

"Drink your coffee, cupcake," he said softly. "Then tell the staff to send me those pastries and cookies you made. And I've left something in your room. Make sure to check it." He completed his sentence slowly and softly, and yet I still couldn't find my voice. I nodded. I just nodded again.

"I need words, cupcake," the way his tone was fluctuating, in the same way my blood pressure was fluctuating.

"I-I will, Dr. Zaid," I replied softly. This shameless man smiled again and finally moved away. I sighed in relief.

"And one more thing, cupcake-" Just as I had taken a breath, he caught me off guard again with that smile.

"Yes?" I replied, choosing words instead of nodding this time.

"Don't look this cute," he said, narrowing his eyes as if it were the simplest thing to say. Then, with both hands in his pockets, he walked away as if he'd just accomplished something remarkable.

I literally grabbed the knife, ready to throw it at him, but stopped when his tightly fitted abs came into view. Great! Now I can't even kill him until I see those freaking eight-pack abs-bare, to be exact!



Sharp at 10:00 AM, I stood at Miss Nasr's door, waiting for her to come so we could go on a date-no, no, what am I even thinking? It's not a date; it's just the first step in my plan to take revenge on her.

"I'll break you to the point where you'll hate your own life, Aleena." These are the words I keep reminding myself of whenever I look at her because my mind seems to lose focus whenever she's around.

It's better if I don't dwell on our earlier encounter, because I'm sure I'll lose myself again thinking about how beautiful she looked when she was so close to me. The way she stared at me with those big doe eyes of hers made me want to kiss them right then and there. And the way her lips parted in shock at my words-I felt the urge to close those lips for looking this addictive.

Does she really care about me? The way she put the blanket on me and covered me-why? Why is she doing all this? Don't do this, Aleena. Your mere presence occupying my mind wasn't enough that now you want to take over my heart? A heart that doesn't even flinch while killing mercilessly. Don't come so close that it becomes impossible to destroy you.

"Will you come out, Ms. Nasr?" I knocked on her door patiently.

"You'll have to wait a little longer, Mr. Riaz," she shouted from inside. What? Wait? I've been patiently waiting for her for the last 15 minutes, thinking about her, and now she wants me to wait even more?

"I'll break the door if you don't come out now!" I knocked again, trying to keep my nerves from snapping and breaking the door down.

"You don't always have to threaten me, Mr Riaz! I just got out of the shower. I need to dry my hair, pick an outfit, and even do my makeup!" she shouted again. And she thinks I have that kind of patience?

She could literally wear anything and still look beautiful-whether it's the Indian white outfit from our engagement or that light blue nightgown from last night.

She looks breathtaking, whether with makeup as she did at last night's party or without makeup, like she did this morning. I couldn't even move after seeing her.

I never thought the morning view of my life could look this calm and serene. I've always woken up in darkness, but when I opened my eyes, expecting to see the same dark surrounding, she appeared like the moon in my dark night-a moon I want to gaze at forever, yet I'm forced to destroy.

"I'm breaking the door, Aleena!" I warned, positioning myself to punch it down.

Just as I was about to throw the punch, the door opened, revealing her standing in front of me.

I think I need a proper checkup because my breath is on the verge of betraying me.

Breathe, please, I silently requested myself, to take atleast some breaths while facing this five-foot figure with wet hair.

Wow! now it's her wet hair? What will she even get torturing me?

I calmed my nerves, veins, breaths, and, most importantly, my crazy heart as I saw her still dressed in a bathrobe.

She wasn't ready yet, and it was already 10:30.

"What is this?" I asked sharply, narrowing my eyes.

"I need time to get ready, Mr. Riaz. If you can't wait, you can go alone," Aleena replied so innocently that, for a second, I almost forgot I was the same man who was about to break the door.

Go alone? She wants me to go on a date by myself? Who should I talk to, the glasses and chairs?

"I'll wait for another 30 minutes. Please be ready by then," I said through gritted teeth.

"Two hours, Mr. Riaz," she replied instantly.

"Thirty minutes. I'm firm on this," I retorted.

"One hour and fifty minutes," she said, lowering it by ten minutes.

Was she bargaining now? Bargaining for time? No way-I can't deal with this woman anymore.

"Forty minutes," I countered, wondering why I was even bargaining with her in the first place.

"One hour and thirty minutes-please." This time, her tone was soft, and I melted-just a little.

"Fifty minutes. That's my final offer," I declared firmly.

"Not yours, not mine. Let's settle on one hour," she said, smiling slyly.

Amazing, I thought sarcastically to myself, this is the kind of negotiation I signed up for.

"Fine," I said firmly before turning around and waiting for her.

Even after trying so hard to focus on my emails, I found myself pacing impatiently outside her door, waiting for her to come out.

"Done?" I called out loudly.

"It hasn't even been 10 minutes, Asad!" she shouted back.

"Even a microphone would fail to compete with your voice," I taunted.

The door isn't soundproof either. Why does she have to shout so much?

"It's good practice for the future-" She stopped mid-sentence, but I caught on to her implication and was left speechless. She's definitely crazy.

Exactly one hour later, I knocked on her door one last time.

"Coming, just two more minutes!" she yelled.

What is wrong with her? I swear I'll break this damn door-

Before I could finish my thought, the door opened, revealing her stumbling out while trying to put on her heels. I moved closer instinctively. Aleena grabbed my shoulder for balance, but she stumbled even more.

"Relax," I said, holding her hand firmly.

"Just a minute, I'll do it," she said hurriedly.

"Let me do it," I replied, my tone softening without realizing it.

I held her hand tightly and led her toward the bed. She sat down while I kneeled in front of her.

"You don't have to do this, I'll do it, Asad," she said, trying to bend down, but I shot her a glare that silenced her instantly.

I carefully buckled the strap of her YSL heels. Once both were securely fastened, I stood up and extended my hand to her.

And for a moment, I forgot to breathe again.

Her slightly curled, open hair framed her face beautifully. She wore a maroon embroidered V-neck top that exposed her collarbone, with a delicate chain adding an angelic touch. The top paired perfectly with a black long silk skirt that flowed elegantly, and those black YSL heels she seems to be more obsessed with completed her look.

"Should we plan our date here in the room, or are we walking out?" Her sharp tone snapped me out of my thoughts.

I held her hand securely and started walking out with her, noticing she was suddenly measuring our heights.

"No matter how many heels you wear, you'll still be shorter than me, five-foot!" I teased with a proud smile.

Before my smile could fully form, she smacked my shoulder with her bag.

"Excuse me?" I exclaimed, utterly shocked by her bold move.

"Not me, but my bag can surely reach your shoulder, right? That's more than enough, Mr. Mafia," she retorted, flipping her hair dramatically as she walked past me.

But instead of heading toward the door, she walked toward the kitchen, where Dr. Hayat was arranging cakes on a plate.

"What do you need, Aleena?" Dr. Hayat asked, seeing her searching through the counter.

"A knife," Alenna replied casually.

Both Dr. Hayat and I froze at her words.

"Why?" Dr. Hayat asked, voicing the question on my mind.

"For safety," she replied.

Seriously? Safety from me? I thought, completely dumbfounded. I'm the one who left my gun because she's not even afraid of me, and she thinks she needs safety from me? She really needs to reassess her logic. No her, but we surely need safety from her.

After grabbing a sharp knife and placing in her bag, she walked toward me with an innocent, bright smile.

"What?" she asked, looking up at me.

"Nothing, love. Let's go," I said, finally surrendering to her adorable antics.

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🌟 Thank You So Much for Reading, Sweetheart's! 🌟

Apologies for the delay, but don't worry-I promise to make the wait worth it! 😉 The date you've been waiting for will be completed within the next three chapters, so stay tuned! 🎉

Now it's your turn to share your amazing thoughts:

💭 Dr. Zaid's punishment-did it make you laugh or feel justice served?

💭 Ayesha's shyness-are you loving her adorable moments?

💭 Aleena's revenge-what are your thoughts on her bold moves?

💭 And last but definitely not least, Asad's patience level-how impressive is it? 🤭

The whole comment section is yours, and I'm eagerly waiting to hear your incredible feedback and theories! 📝

And I won't be providing the chapter Aesthetics here. Reason : Many don't want it, so from here on aesthetics will be uploaded only on Scroll Stack❤️

But, 👉👈 as my readers want it, so here are the aesthetics 😘

And here's the target to get the next chapter on Wattpad. 499+ Votes. 299+ Comments.

✨ Happy Reading✨

With Love, Author Almas ❤️

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CHAPTER AESTHETICS :



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