**Zayan's POV**

"Oh no, the restaurant's full today—we should've booked our seats," Alishba giggled, gripping Hashim's hand tighter like they were filming a rom-com.

My eye twitched.

*Why the hell is she always holding his hand?* Is it a comfort thing? A habit? Or just a creative way to stab me repeatedly without using a knife?

The place was packed, buzzing with conversations and cutlery. We waited by the host stand, and then finally:

"Your waitress will be right with you," the hostess said.

I made sure to sit beside Alishba—my *wife*—because being across from her just didn't feel right. Also, I wasn't going to let her sit beside Hashim like they were on a cute little brunch date. So, naturally, Hashim ended up beside me. Yay.

Our waitress approached—a tall girl with sleek dark hair and a soft smile. Something about her was familiar. Then I recognized her.

Nicole Adam.

From high school.

"Oh my god, Zayan? Is that *really* you?" she gasped and, before I could react, hugged me.

*Someone please invent an "Ex-Girlfriend Alert" app. It's urgent.*

"H-hey, Nicole. How are you?" I said awkwardly.

"Ugh, just working my butt off." She laughed lightly.

I glanced at Alishba. Her smile had vanished like my peace of mind. Not pleased.

"So... are these your friends?" Nicole asked, glancing at Alishba and Hashim.

"She's my wife," I said, looking at Alishba. She smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. I didn't bother introducing Hashim. He wasn't my friend. He was a live-action thorn in my side.

"*Wife*?" Nicole said, eyebrows nearly disappearing into her hairline. "Wow... never thought you'd get married. You never struck me as the relationship-commitment type."

Alishba raised an eyebrow. Great.

"Yeah, well... now I am," I replied, pretending like that didn't sting.

"So you two were close friends?" Hashim asked with the curiosity of a gossip auntie.

"Umm, actually, I was his girlfriend in high school," Nicole said, flipping her hair like we were in a teenage drama reboot.

"*What!*" Hashim laughed, shooting a look at Alishba.

Alishba rolled her eyes so hard I'm sure she saw her past lives.

"We broke up," Nicole added with a dramatic sigh. "His anger issues were... well, a bit too much."

I nearly choked on my own air. Alishba's sharp glance sliced through me like glass.

"Yeah... I can understand," she said, with the kind of tone that said she didn't just understand—she *agreed*.

Nicole blinked, then pulled out her notepad. "So, what can I get you all to drink?"

Alishba ordered a smoothie. Hashim and I both went for apple juice. *Because apparently, now we even order drinks like twins.* Tragic.

"And food?" Nicole asked.

"Blueberry pancakes with maple syrup for me and Alishba," Hashim chimed in. "Zayan?"

I didn't even like pancakes.

"Same," I muttered. I was craving black coffee and scrambled eggs, not syrupy sugar bombs. But I didn't want to be *that guy*.

We ate mostly in silence. Every fork scrape felt like a countdown to the moment I'd snap.

After breakfast, we walked to the car.

"So what's next, Alishba?" Hashim asked, like this was his date.

"Movie," she replied.

I drove us to the theater. After the movie, we went for lunch—and as expected, *Hashim* ordered *Alishba's* favorite food again. Because he's the self-declared president of the "I Know Alishba Best" club.

"You're such a sweetheart, Hashim. You remember everything about me," she beamed.

"Because you're my best buddy, sweet potato," he said.

*Great.* More sweetness. I was going into diabetic shock. Someone hand me insulin.

Then his phone buzzed.

"Excuse me, I need to take this," he said and stepped aside.

*Oh finally, silence.* Sweet, merciful silence.

"Where'd you find him?" I asked, my tone bordering on acid.

"Who?" she said, raising an eyebrow.

"Your joker friend," I replied.

She rolled her eyes and dropped her fork.

"Well, at least he's not like *you*—two-faced and a trust breaker. I feel happy and safe with him," she hissed quietly, jaw clenched. Only I could hear her, but those words echoed like a punch.

I wasn't ready for that.

Before I could respond, Hashim returned. "Sorry, guys. There's an emergency at the office. I have to leave."

I might've smiled internally. Finally, the sugar factory was closing.

"What? But the theme park..." Alishba looked disappointed, her excitement fading.

"Zayan," Hashim said, turning to me. "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure," I said cautiously.

"Alishba planned to go to the theme park. I can't go. Can you take her instead?"

Before I could answer, Alishba raised her hand. "It's okay. We'll go some other day."

"Oh come on, sweet potato! Your husband is giving you his *precious* time. Bad manners to reject that. Go! Enjoy!" Hashim pleaded dramatically.

Alishba sighed and crossed her arms. "Alright, fine."

Wow. *Now she listens to him?* Noted.

Hashim shook my hand and whispered, "Take care of her. She deserves it."

"Bye, sweet potato. Enjoy your rides!" he called.

"Bye..." she said, barely audible.

Once he was gone, we both finished our lunch in silence. I paid the bill, and we left.

"Let's go to the theme park," I said, buckling my seat belt.

"You really don't have to do this," Alishba said, staring out the window. "Let's just go home."

"You're still mad at me," I said, glancing her way.

She didn't look back. "No, I'm not. Why would I be? You did the right thing. Because there was never an *us*, Zayan. It was always just *me*, trying. You broke my trust... and our marriage. Just a few more days, and we'll go our separate ways."

She turned to me, her voice suddenly firm and her eyes burning.

"I've learned my lesson, Mr. Zayan. And now I'll live my life without anyone's restrictions."

I opened my mouth to speak... but nothing came out. I had no words. Just this heavy, sinking feeling in my chest.

Yeah... just a few more days.

And then she'd be gone.

"Alishba I..."

"Don't waste your energy planning something new... Your old tricks already leave a great impact on me. I'm still recovering, Zayan. Give me some time, so I can brace myself for your next attack," she said, her voice dripping with frustration.

The car ride was eerily quiet, the only sound filling the space was the soft hum of the radio, as if the music was too shy to interrupt the tension between us.

We finally arrived at the theme park. I parked the car and stepped out, walking beside Alishba.

"Hyee, guys!" I heard a voice I recognized immediately. Both Alishba and I turned around in unison.

"Rafe... Minal!" Alishba greeted, a little more cheerfully than before.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked, half amused, half curious.

"Well, Hashim called us and said you guys were coming, so we thought we'd crash your party," Rafe said with a grin.

"Hmmm, you came here without me?" Minal teased Alishba.

"Sorry, but thanks for showing up anyway," Alishba replied with a hug, wrapping her arms around Minal.

"Anything for you," Minal said, her smile warm and playful.

We walked into the park, bought our tickets, and headed straight for the first ride. Alishba was practically bouncing with excitement. This was her favorite: a rollercoaster-style water ride that went through pitch-black darkness, and—despite the ominous vibe—was more thrilling than scary. The downside? You'd get soaked. Of course, they sold disposable waterproof jackets at the entrance, but we all knew it wouldn't help much.

The ride wasn't open yet since the park had just opened, but we joined the line anyway, eager to get on. Ten minutes later, the gates swung open, and we were nearly at the front.

"Minal, come with me!" Alishba grabbed Minal's hand.

"Sorry, I'm not in the mood to lose my hearing from your screaming," Minal teased.

"Alright, then, I'll go with Rafe. You're stuck with Zayan," Minal said, placing Alishba's hand in mine.

"But—"

"Let's go! The ride's starting," Minal urged.

I shrugged, trying to act unaffected, and said, "I hope you don't mind if I sit with you."

Alishba didn't respond, but she sat beside me anyway.

"All the best, Zayan!" Rafe shouted from his seat.

"I'm not taking an exam, Rafe," I shot back, rolling my eyes.

"Ha! Trust me, it feels like one," Rafe laughed.

As the ride began, we slowly entered the dark tunnel. The speed picked up, and the first drop came out of nowhere. Suddenly, we were plunged into water, soaking us to the bone. Alishba screamed, clutching my hand as though her life depended on it.

"Ahhhhh!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. I couldn't hear myself think over her yells.

I glanced over at her—her eyes were shut tight, and her grip on my hand was deathly strong. It was almost endearing how terrified she was.

"That was awesome!" Rafe yelled from his seat, completely drenched but grinning like a madman.

"I love that ride!" Minal laughed.

"Are you alright?" I whispered in Alishba's ear, leaning close enough to feel the warmth of her breath.

Her eyes shot open, and she looked at me as if she had just woken from a nightmare. "Yeah..." she said, her voice barely audible, but she gave me a quick nod.

We both stood up, soaking wet, and made our way off the ride.

We headed to the next ride, but of course, waiting in line was the worst part.

"I hate waiting," Alishba grumbled.

"Same here," I whispered, leaning in close to her ear. She raised an eyebrow, and a mischievous smirk danced across my lips. It was always fun to tease her, especially when I could get under her skin.

Ten minutes later, we were at the front of the queue, but then... chaos struck. A woman, clearly drunk, missed the boat and fell right into the water. It was funny until we realized the workers were annoyed—rightfully so—and they informed us the ride would be closed for the rest of the day because she had hurt her ankle.

We all groaned in annoyance.

"Seriously?" Alishba fumed. "The ride's only just opened and now this?"

"I hope she really did break her ankle," Minal muttered, not hiding her irritation.

Rafe and I couldn't help but chuckle. "If not, I'll break it for her," I joked, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Alishba cracked the smallest smile, and for the first time that day, it was genuine. I couldn't help but feel proud that I was the one to make her laugh.

"They shouldn't even let people like her in here," Rafe said, crossing his arms, clearly pissed off.

"They shouldn't be drinking here in the first place," Minal added, shaking her head.

"I hope she has the worst hangover tomorrow," Alishba said, her tone dark, but there was a playful edge to it.

We walked off in search of something else to do, our mood lightening as we went to grab some drinks.

"Slushy!" Alishba squealed when she spotted the stand.

"Seriously? You want a slushy in this cold weather?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's my choice," she shrugged, grinning. "But yeah... be a man and take a risk."

She whispered it in my ear, and I couldn't resist the challenge. "I'm always ready to take a risk... especially when that risk is hot and sexy," I whispered back, making her cheeks flush a deep shade of red.

"Get a room, you two," Rafe called out from behind us, laughing.

"Shut up," I shot back, but I couldn't help but grin. It was all too easy to get under Alishba's skin.

We each ordered our slushies, and as we sipped on the mix of strawberry, cherry, and blueberry flavors, we couldn't help but laugh about the day's chaos.

"I think we need to come here more often," Alishba said, her smile finally reaching her eyes.

"Yeah," I said, holding her gaze for a moment longer than necessary. "Next time, we'll have more fun... and less waiting in line."

She didn't say anything, but the way she looked at me said everything.

Absolutely! Here's a more emotionally rich and subtly humorous version with deeper sparks between Zayan and Alishba. The emotions simmer underneath their interactions, blending tension, longing, and tenderness while still keeping it playful:

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**Alishba and I realize the slushy has dyed our tongues, and we burst out laughing like kids caught doing something silly.** 
Alishba tilts her face toward me, eyes glinting with mischief. 
"Let's see yours," she says, poking at my cheek. I stick out my tongue with exaggerated pride. 

She stares wide-eyed. "Your tongue's gone completely purple." 

"Purple? That's royalty," I say smugly. 

"More like a dying eggplant," Rafe chimes in. 

"Looks like he's about to drop dead from tongue poisoning," Minal adds, pretending to faint. 

Alishba clutches her stomach, laughing. "I think it's cool," she says, and her smile—raw, unfiltered—makes my chest ache in a way I wasn't prepared for. 

Rafe insists on a photo. We both stick our tongues out, and for the first time in days, she doesn't pull away. The photo captures more than colours—it captures a moment. A closeness. 

After the rides, we all head to the restaurant—The Ship. The nautical theme is nostalgic, warm.** 

"I love this place," Alishba says, eyes lighting up. 

I nod. "Let's see what treasure the menu holds, Captain." 

We laugh and dive into the menu, eventually settling on Chinese. There's an ease between us. Shared glances, quiet smiles. Something's shifting. 

Later, after dropping off Rafe and Minal, we drive back. The silence in the car is no longer suffocating. It's soft. Comfortable.**

When we finally reach home, Alishba doesn't rush to her room. We walk in together. 

"Did you enjoy?" I ask, knowing I sound too hopeful. 

"Yeah," she says, quietly. 

We step into our room. 

"Alishba..." I start. 

She turns to look at me, wary. 

"I know Hashim is your friend but—" 

"Please, Zayan... don't spoil my mood," she says, almost a whisper. 

"He's not like me," I say, with a small grin, trying to break her defenses. "I'm way hotter." 

She rolls her eyes. "But he has a good heart." 

"I do too." 

"Really? Are you trying to say you've changed?" 

I laugh softly. "Not completely. But... maybe I wish I had. And I'm trying to become someone you don't have to recover from." 

She doesn't respond, just looks at me, as if trying to see into the part of me I keep hidden. I step closer. Slowly. Gently. 

We're inches apart. I rest my forehead against hers. Her eyes flutter shut. I kiss the tip of her nose and whisper, 
"Thanks... for not hating me tonight." 

Then I kiss her forehead, softly, like a promise I don't yet have the courage to speak aloud. 

She looks stunned. And I walk away before I say something stupid—like *stay with me again*. 

---

**Alishba's POV** 

Zayan's steady breathing echoed in the room. He had taken the sofa without complaint, letting me have the bed. My eyes found him in the dim light—curled up, uncomfortable, but peaceful. He looked different. Softer. Or maybe I was seeing him differently now. 

For the first time in a long time, I fell asleep without the weight in my chest. 

**The next morning** 

The scent of fresh bread and strong coffee pulled me from my dreams. I stretched, heart lighter, and got ready for the day. 

When I came out, Zayan was just waking up. 

He stretched, groaned, and then tilted his neck with a loud *crack*. 
"Shit," he muttered. 

I couldn't help myself. "Good morning, Mr. Zayan. Slept well?" 

He saw my smirk and straightened up, trying to act cool. Classic Zayan. Arms behind his head, flashing that overconfident grin. 

"Wonderful," he said, pretending like he wasn't dying inside. 

I chuckled. "Right. Your face says otherwise." 

He narrowed his eyes at me. "Well, that may be—" 

"You know what?" I interrupted. "Tonight, I'll take the sofa." 

"Don't be silly," he said, the morning sun catching in his eyes, making them look almost golden. 

"I'm not. I used to sleep on sofas before. It's not a big deal." 

Before he could answer, there was a knock. 

"Alishba? Are you up yet?" 

*Hashim.* 

Zayan shot up like he was electrocuted. "Shit!" 

"What?" I asked, confused. 

He grabbed a blanket and bolted toward me. Next thing I knew, we were under the duvet, tangled together. 

"What the hell are you—" 

"Shh," he whispered, messing up his hair and then mine. 

Before I could react, he cupped my face, looked into my eyes... and kissed me. 

It wasn't rushed. It wasn't fake. 

It was... warm. Real. Messy. Beautiful. 

My mind screamed, but my heart melted. I was still processing the rush of heat when— 

*Door creaks.* 

"Oops... sorry, guys," Hashim's voice came. "Continue... I'll wait in the living room." 

Zayan sighed in relief, and that damn smirk returned. 

And I knew. 

He didn't mean it. 

The kiss wasn't for me. It was for the *scene*. 

The crash back to reality was hard. I shoved him off. 

"Do that again, and I swear I'll break your nose," I said coldly. 

He looked confused, maybe even a little hurt. But I didn't care. 

"You don't have to act anymore. Hashim's gone." 

I stepped out of bed, walked to the living area, and left him sitting there, stunned. 

But what Zayan didn't know—was that part of me had wished he meant it. 

And that part was now aching. 

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