I was fuming. The anger boiled in my veins like molten lava, and the worst part? I was hurt—deep down, where I didn't even want to acknowledge it. Zavian had pushed me to the edge, and it wasn't even just the fight—it was everything. The way he barged into my life, uninvited and unannounced, like he had every damn right to be there. Like I owed him something. Who the hell did he think he was?

I shoved his helmet down onto his bike with more force than necessary, my hands shaking as I turned away from him, searching for a cab. I could feel the tightness in my chest, the weight of everything crashing down all at once. He had no right to come into my life like this. He had no right to act like he owned a piece of my world, to control the way I felt, the way I reacted. And yet, he did. It pissed me off more than I could put into words.

He had ghosted me. Disappeared without a trace. Not a single text, nothing. Three weeks. Three weeks of nothing, and then—then—he shows up here, in Amsterdam, no warning, no explanation, just because. Just because he felt like it. Like I was some damn toy he could pick up and play with whenever he pleased.

I shook my head, blinking the anger and the stupid rush of tears from my eyes as I stepped onto the curb, eyes scanning for a cab, my heart pounding with each furious step I took.

"Go to Hell, then," I muttered under my breath, the words bitter on my tongue. I couldn't even stand looking at him right now.

The nerve. The nerve. What did he think? That I would just roll over every time he decided to play his games with me? He could forget about it. I wasn't some puppet. I wasn't going to dance to his tune just because he showed up at the exact moment I didn't need him. His stupid smirk, his cocky attitude, the way he always thought he could control the damn situation—it was all too much. Too much for me to ignore, too much for me to just accept.

I heard his footsteps behind me. Of course. Why was I even surprised? Zavian Noraiz always had to have the last word. But I wasn't going to let him win this time. I wasn't going to let him walk all over me again. He had made it clear how little I mattered to him, so why should I care?

But damn it, I did.

And that was the worst part.

I kept my head down, hands still trembling, my entire body seething with anger and something else—something I couldn't even admit to myself. Why was I still thinking about him? Why was I still feeling the pull when he treated me like this?

A Red Flag. A big fat one.

I sucked in a shaky breath, shaking off the thoughts that kept circling back to him, to us, to everything we'd just fought about. The sooner I left this damn situation behind, the better. I wasn't going to let him get under my skin—not again. I had enough of his games, his cocky attitude, his unpredictable mood swings. I didn't need him in my life. I didn't want him in my life.

I didn't care how stupidly handsome he looked or how his eyes flickered with that dangerous, intoxicating spark. I didn't care.

I just... didn't.

Without looking back, I flagged down a cab, ignoring the thumping of my heart as he called my name. Zavian could shout all he wanted, but I wasn't turning around. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing he could still rattle me.

The cab pulled up, and I practically threw myself inside. The door slammed shut, cutting off the noise, cutting off the chaos of my emotions. I gave the driver the address to my hotel without another word, settling into the back seat with a huff. The city lights blurred past the window as I tried to force my mind to quiet down.

But it wasn't working. Zavian's voice, that damn smirk, his attitude—they kept replaying in my head, over and over again, like a broken record. Why did he have this power over me? Why did it matter?

I wanted to shut it all out, forget about him for good. But I couldn't.

The truth was, I didn't know what I wanted anymore. And that terrified me more than anything.

_

A week later, we were back in London, and life had settled back into its usual rhythm. Aisha and I were buried in research work, the perfect distraction from everything that had happened. My mind barely had time to wander, and that was a relief. I could focus. I had to focus.

That evening, I sat on my bed, staring at the screen of my phone as Haroon's face appeared, the familiar grin on his face immediately lifting my mood.

"Aliha is on one of her rants again," Haroon said with a wink, rolling his eyes dramatically. "You wouldn't believe it. She was complaining about the way I left the cupboard door open... again. Like, she acts like I'm the only one who does it."

I couldn't help but laugh, a full, genuine laugh, the kind I hadn't had in days. The way Haroon imitated Aliha's dramatic tone was so spot on, it almost felt like I could hear her complaining through the phone.

"I swear, you two should have your own reality show," I teased, wiping away the stray tear of laughter that had escaped my eye.

"Don't tempt me," he smirked, crossing his arms like he was considering the idea. "Could be the next big hit—'The Sassy Haroon and Complaining Aliha Show.'"

"Too much drama for me," I joked, still grinning.

But as Haroon continued to joke around, something inside me softened. It was a welcome break from the tension that had been building for days. I could feel the weight on my shoulders start to lift, just a little.

For once, I wasn't thinking about Zavian. For once, I was just here, in the moment, with my friends. It felt good. Maybe it was exactly what I needed.

The call stretched on, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I found myself actually enjoying the noise of voices, the chaos of my family. Everyone seemed to want a piece of the conversation, and I let them all talk to me one by one. Each person brought a different kind of warmth, a different comfort, and for once, I didn't feel so alone.

Nimra was the first to call me out on being quiet.

"Are you still on your research high?" she teased, her voice bright and full of energy. I could almost see her grinning, her hands gesturing wildly like she always did. "You know you need a break, right? Ali's been complaining you don't talk to him enough."

"I'm fine, Nimra. Just busy," I replied with a soft chuckle, but I could hear the concern in her voice.

"Yeah, yeah, just don't forget about us," she said, her tone shifting to something more sincere. "We miss you here. Come visit soon, okay?"

"Of course," I promised, and even though I couldn't see her, I knew she smiled at that.

Then came Ali.

"Iman, you're still alive?" His voice was full of mock disbelief, and I could just imagine him shaking his head in amusement. "I thought maybe you ran off with a handsome Dutch guy or something."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, please. I'm busy doing important work, not romancing strangers in Amsterdam."

"Sure, sure," he teased, "but you can't fool me. I know you're enjoying yourself. Don't act like you're not having a blast."

"I'm not having a blast," I said, feeling my cheeks flush a little. "Just focusing on work."

After Ali, it was Arham's turn. His voice was always a calm, reassuring presence, and I appreciated it now more than ever.

"How are you holding up, Iman? Still getting enough rest?" His tone was concerned, the weight of a big brother's love in every word.

I sighed softly, rubbing my temple. "It's been hectic, but I'm managing. You know how it is."

He hummed thoughtfully. "I do. Just take care of yourself, okay? No overworking. You know how Baba gets when you push yourself too much."

"I know," I replied with a small smile. "Thanks, Arham."

Then came Mihra, her laughter so contagious I couldn't help but grin even though I was a little tired.

"Iman, I saw your pictures with Aisha," she said with a teasing note in her voice. "You looked like you were having a great time. You need to bring some of that back with you."

"Oh, it was nothing," I replied, trying to play it off, but I could hear Mihra's knowing smile.

"I bet. Just don't forget about us when you get back."

"I won't," I promised.

Then, Baba's deep voice filled the phone. "Iman, my dear, how are you?"

His words were warm, a father's love coming through in every syllable. "I'm good, Baba. Busy with work. How's everything back home?"

"Busy as usual," he said, chuckling softly. "Your mother misses you. We all do. But we're all proud of you."

A lump formed in my throat, and I quickly blinked away the sudden wave of emotion. "I miss you too, Baba. I'll come visit soon. After exams, Inshallah."

Next, it was Mama's turn. Her voice was filled with both warmth and concern.

"Iman, my baby, don't overwork yourself, okay? You need rest. I hear you've been working late nights."

"I'm fine, Mama," I reassured her, though I could hear the truth in her words. "I promise."

Then came Dadi, her voice soft and sweet, a reminder of home.

"Iman, my darling, how are you? Are you eating enough?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the question, even though I could almost feel her scolding me from the other side. "I'm eating, Dadi. Don't worry."

"And are you sleeping well?" she pressed.

I sighed. "As well as I can. I'll be fine, Dadi."

"I hope so, dear," she said gently. "Just remember to take care of yourself."

And then, Dada's deep, reassuring voice filled the call. "Iman, good to hear from you, child."

"Hi, Dada," I said, feeling comforted by his steady tone. "Everything good at home?"

"Everything's fine. Just don't forget us, okay? We're all waiting for you to come back."

"I won't forget," I promised, feeling a small smile tug at my lips.

Then, Taya jumped in with his usual energetic flair. "Iman, you better come home with some stories! I've been hearing all about your adventures, and I expect some good ones when you come back!"

"I will, I promise," I laughed, enjoying the teasing nature of our conversation.

Finally, Abdullah chimed in, his voice deep and full of affection. "Iman, my sister, you're doing great things, but don't forget about us, okay? We miss you."

"I haven't forgotten," I replied softly, the familiar love from my family surrounding me, making me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be.

By the time the call ended, an hour and a half had passed, but I felt lighter. All the love, the concern, the laughter, it was exactly what I needed. I leaned back against my bed, my mind buzzing with their voices, feeling the pull of home. No matter how far away I was, they were with me, and that was enough for now.

I went back on working when someone knocked on the door.

I looked up from my laptop, blinking at the interruption. Sophia stood in the doorway, arms crossed and a playful smile on her lips. "Workaholic, get some rest," she teased, her tone light but firm.

I grinned, rubbing my eyes for a moment. "Soon, maybe," I replied, reluctant to leave my work just yet.

She raised an eyebrow, her pout growing more exaggerated. "Nope. Now," she insisted, stepping into the room and leaning against my desk. "Come with us. We're going out for dinner. No more excuses."

I hesitated for a second, then let out a sigh, leaning back in my chair. As much as I wanted to bury myself in my work, the idea of spending a night out with them—getting away from the grind for just a few hours—was tempting.

"Alright, alright," I finally relented, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "You win. Let me just grab my jacket."

Sophia's face immediately lit up with a victorious grin. "That's more like it," she said, stepping aside to let me out. "You won't regret it, I promise."

I followed her out, a small part of me already anticipating the change of pace. Maybe it was exactly what I needed to clear my head.

Isabella, Aisha, and Yuki stood by the door, all ready and radiating that effortlessly chic vibe. I couldn't help but grin, the sight of them somehow making everything feel lighter. Their energy was contagious, and suddenly, I didn't mind stepping away from my work for a while.

Yuki was already adjusting her coat, her usual carefree smile lighting up her face. Aisha was flipping her hair over her shoulder, giving me a knowing look. And Isabella? She was glowing, a quiet elegance about her as always, but her eyes held that spark, like she was looking forward to something more than just dinner tonight.

"Alright, we're all set. No excuses now," Aisha teased, already heading toward the door.

I chuckled, wearing my jacket and following them out. "Lead the way," I said, the tension from the last few days finally starting to ease as I stepped into the cool night air.

We walked together, the city lights reflecting off the pavement, and for the first time in a while, I felt like I could breathe again. Maybe, just maybe, this was exactly what I needed. To get out of my head, to be with people who made me forget the weight of everything I'd been carrying.

The evening was ours.