"What the hell do you mean by Asad got married?!"

Rafael hummed, nodding his head in confirmation as he picked up a bottle of Ariel Carbenet Sauvignon wine. Popping it open, he tilted it and watched as the liquid pour into the wine glass in front of him. Of course, he made sure the wine isn't alcoholic. He does many things, but drinking, especially during day time is not his thing. "It's just as I said, Asad got married earlier."

Suspiring a harsh breath, Zoya crossed her arms over her torso as her anger spiked. She doesn't want to believe what Rafael said. For all she knows, he could he be lying to her. "No!" She was quick to deny it; whipping her head in the direction of the one who broke the news to her with narrowed eyes. "He is supposed to marry me. How can you tell me he's now married?" She questioned, her voice low and cold. "What is this? Is this a sick joke or something?"

Rafael shrugged slightly, as he brought the wine glass to his lips and took a sip of it. It instantly oozed flavors of black currants, cherries, milk chocolate and others he couldn't point a finger on. Nonetheless, the silky tannins and soft acid led to a dry, palate-coating finish.

If he wasn't occupied then, he would've had steak to go with the wine because then it would be perfect.

A few sips later, he blew out a barely noticeable breath and then flicked his eyes to meet that of Zoya's. His whole demeanor oozes nonchalance, while hers is the exact opposite. "What? You actually thought he'd marry you?" He quirked a brow slightly, before the corner of his lips tilted upwards seeing the look on her face.

He wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Yes, he knows Zoya is all about Asad now but he didn't think she could believe stuff like that.

It's like she doesn't know the man...and maybe, she truly doesn't. At least, not anymore.

Zoya fisted her hands by the side slightly, eyes narrowed in slits at Rafael. She knew he was mocking her with his words, but she couldn't answer because it would only give him more reasons to mock her even more.

So, she forced herself to take in a deep breath and look composed. "I did not come all the way here so you can talk to me like that." She managed to keep her voice calm, and collected despite feeling anything but.

She doesn't want to create a scene in the restaurant though. There aren't a lot of people there, and all you can hear is soft murmurs that blends with the low music played in the background. It was that typical restaurant for the rich people, where everything's all fancy and whatnot.

Creating a scene there will earn her looks—not that she cares but she'd rather not deal with that then.

"You came on your own, you didn't have to." He isn't in the least fazed by her anger. He intentionally invited her out to break the news to her himself just so he can see her reaction. And, it's so worth it. "You came running the minute Asad's name popped up." He added, his tone never raising.

He seems to be having the time of his life casually sipping his wine, and acting as if he didn't break what's probably the worst news she could ever hear then.

She took in a deep breath again, holding onto every last bit of patience in her but it's hard. Rafael knows the right buttons to press and bring out the worst in her. At the same time, she knew pretty well that getting angry won't get her anywhere. "How did you know he got married?" That's probably a stupid question, because she knows he has his connections. "And who did he marry?" She chooses to ask instead, still hoping it's all a lie.

How is she supposed to believe that Asad got married just like that? He is supposed to marry her; how did things change in a blink of an eye? Yes, he acted so cold towards her the last time they met, but she knows he must still feel something for her.

He has to.

He loved her too much to stop just like that.

Who is this woman that he chose over her?

"He married my fiancée" Rafael calmly stated, placing the wine glass on the table before leaning back slightly. "Or more like, my ex-fiancée"

Zoya held back a scoff. She still doesn't know whether to consider him a loser for losing another woman to Asad, or to get upset that maybe...just maybe, it is true that Asad truly got married. And not to her.

"—If you don't believe me, feel free to ask him yourself" Rafael's lips stretched into a wide smile. "I just felt like being the first to break the news to you because of course, I know you've been high on the idea of marrying him. Sorry to burst your bubble, but he ditched you this time." Is he upset that Asad married Yasmeen? A little bit—and even then, that's his ego speaking.

But, he's more than glad it isn't Zoya.

Zoya flicked her eyes close for a brief moment, her fist clenching even more. Swallowing thickly, she opened her eyes again and brought a hand up to massage her temple. She doesn't want to believe him, she truly doesn't. But, she knows him well enough to know when he's lying and when he's not.

At that moment, he isn't lying to her.

She then suddenly began chuckle humorlessly, her lips stretching into a wide grin. The action went on for about a minute, before it ceased all of the sudden and the grin disappeared.

Tilting her head up to meet Rafael's eyes, she voiced out. "Married? He got married?" She repeated slowly, before letting out a scoff. "After all I went through to convince my father regarding this thing with him, he went off to marrying some floozy?"

Picking up the wine glass again, Rafael tilted it and poured some into the cup in front of Zoya and before he could fill his again, she had already picked it up and down it all. He could tell then that she truly is angry, and well, that's what he wants.

He wants her to get angry and be hurt if that will snap some sense into her. She needs to realize that going after Asad is a waste of time.

"Well, I can tell you that you can be his second wife--" He wanted to add something that will irk her more.

"I don't want to be second, never." She cut him, voicing out through gritted teeth. Second? What's that? The word doesn't exist in her dictionary. "I've seen women like that before, and where are they now? Hmm?"

Rafael narrowed his eyes at her slightly, not missing how her tone took a turn for the worse. Straightening his spine, he crossed his legs and tilted his head to the side slightly.

"—I am the one Asad loves, no one else."

"That was five years ago" Rafael stated, his tone losing all that nonchalance and lark. Yes, he was interested in Zoya before but not anymore. He just keeps her around because there's something he's yet to figure out. And if that means making sure she never ends up with Asad, so be it. "Do you seriously think he still feels the same way he did then?" She must be delusional if she thinks such, even Rafael could testify.

"Asad still feels something for me." She refuses to believe otherwise.

And Rafael agrees. "Yes, he feels something." He was still watching her skeptically, like a puzzle he's trying to put in place. "But, are you sure it's love? Because the way I see it, I feel like there's more to this and you're letting on." He has his doubts, and it was only confirmed now.

For all he knows, she has been quiet these past few years. Why is she suddenly trying to win Asad over again? Judging from Asad's attitude, there has to be something he is unaware of.

What are they hiding?

Her expression didn't give anything away, and he hated it. He hates how she is able to guard her expression extremely well that no one can penetrate, not even Asad who knows her best.

"I don't know what you're talking about" She answered without hesitation, her eyes never leaving his and her tone not once wavering to give away that she's lying.

"I think you do." He know that she does, and he will figure that out. "See, what I find to be confusing is why you're all about Asad after all this while and why he is still so cold towards you. To a certain level, I understand it his hatred towards me as well because of what we did but uh..." He paused, clicking his tongue. "...he isn't that petty." That's probably the nicest thing he has said about Asad in years.

But, there's no need to lie about that. At least, not when it's just him and Zoya.

They know both it. Asad isn't petty.

Zoya released a scoff that was borderline chuckle. "So what?" She questioned, leaning back in her chair comfortably. "What are you insinuating?"

"You did something" He responded, the minute those words left her parted lips. "You must've done something to make him still harbor that hatred towards you and I'm certain it's why you're trying to settle with him now." His knowledge stops at five years ago, nothing beyond that.

But, he knows there's more.

Zoya held his eyes for a few seconds, her visage blank. She took her time watching him up close, at the same time, making sure to keep a wall around herself so he can't see a glimpse of what he wants to find out. Because he's right, there is something. "Did you call me here to spew gibberish? Because I don't have time for this."

"I also heard you transferred to the UK, and will be working in the same airline as him" He added, not in the least fazed by her words and her glare. She can do more than that, he knows why she hates him too but well, he doesn't feel bad one bit.

"And how is my work any of your concern?"

Rafael's stern demeanor fell, as he offered her a smile. "I just feel like we're having a reunion there, that's all." With Asad basically living there, Zoya moving there because of the man and then there's him who will be there for a while because of work, it will truly be a reunion considering it's where they met to begin with.

But will it be the good kind?

There's a high possibility they won't ever meet, since it's a big place but they are intertwined by fate. They are bound to cross paths on more occasions than one. That's pretty much obvious.

Blinking ever so slowly, Zoya set her lips into a tight line. "Stay out of what I do, and don't prod into what is not your concern." With that said, she pushed the chair back, got on her feet and strolled out with one destination in mind.

She refuse to sit there and be interrogated by Rafael because he's the last person she would want to find out the truth.

~*~

To say she's glad she's able to get into Asad's house without a hassle will be an understatement. She thought after the last time, Asad would ask the ones at the gate to never allow her in again. However, seeing how they welcomed her just like before, she knew he didn't and that only sparked her hope that maybe...she still has a place with Asad.

Maybe, his marriage is a lie for real.

Nonetheless, now that she is here, she will confirm it.

She didn't try to call, knowing he wouldn't pick up. After all, the last time he clearly told her not to call and as such, she has no doubt he wouldn't pick up. Coming to his house is her best option, and she took it.

She dismounted from the car, closing the door behind her. Lifting her hand up, she flicked the side of her hijab that fell back in place, before trudging into the house since she knows it well.

As always, it was pretty much quiet and that only added to her hope. If Asad did get married, knowing Ama and all, she's sure there would be a wedding. Shouldn't the house be filled up with people? But no, there are none and that only eased her worries.

Further walking in, she stopped when she saw a familiar figure coming down the stairs. He didn't notice her, as he was on the phone talking. She couldn't hear exactly what he is saying, but she didn't care. Instead, she closed the distance between them and stood a few feet away from the last staircase, catching his attention.

Asad noticed her then, and she could tell he was surprised seeing the way his brows drew in. He muttered a few words to whoever is on the other end of the call, before turning it off and pushing the knit cardigan he has on behind, so he could slide his phone in the pocket of his denim.

Taking the last few stairs with a slow, and steady gait, he came to stand in front of her, making sure to keep a reasonable distance before arching a brow slightly. "What are you doing here?" He questioned, his voice cold, like always. His expression gave nothing away, and she hates it.

She took in a breath, before releasing it with a slight slump of her shoulders. "I heard you got married." She didn't want to beat around the bush, knowing there's no point in doing so.

"So?" Even if he was surprised by how she knew, he didn't know it. Just as he didn't hesitate to question in that same icy tone.

Her lips parted slightly, as she blinked repeatedly. "Wait..." She held her hand up, brows drawn in and lips slanted into a deep frown. "...so it's true?" No, that's impossible.

"Did you come here just to ask that?" He made a mental note to speak to the ones at the gate to stop her from coming in. Then again, he will be around for another week before he leaves, so there might not be any need for that.

"Answer me." She pressed, ignoring his question. "You truly got married?"

"Yes, I did." He answered, staring at her blankly.

Her eyes widened slightly, as she visibly stiffened. For a few seconds, she only stared at him in disbelief. But, she recovered and then chuckled humorlessly. "Are you kidding me?" She questioned, when the chuckle died down and a look of anger took over her expression.

He didn't say a thing to her, which only added to her fury because she wants to hear something for him. Be it an explanation or an excuse. Just...anything!

But, he isn't giving her that. And that hurts her as much as it spiked her anger.

Flicking her eyes close, she took in a deep breath as she looked away. She reminded herself to get her anger in check, because the last person she would want to lose her calm around is him.

When she is sure she wouldn't act out, she flickered her eyes to meet his again. "Do you have any idea how much I went through just so my father could agree to this? How can you do this to me?" Anger, embarrassment, and pain. She couldn't tell which exactly she's feeling and perhaps, it's all three.

"I didn't ask to you do any of that, did I?"

"I did it for you!" She snapped through gritted teeth. She didn't want to mention this, but she needs him to understand the situation in case he has forgotten. "I did it for Farrah." She knew the only way she can get through to him is through that girl, and she will do so.

She was right, because though it didn't show in his expression—his tone held the anger he had tucked away. "Don't you dare mention my daughter in this." He warned, his tone dropping.

She ignored it, just like how he ignored her before. "Do you truly think any woman could take care of her? Do you think this woman you married will care for her? Wake up, Asad."

"You think you're any better?" Weirdly enough, he sounded calm again. Perhaps, it's because he's better at managing his emotions. And because he has a feeling she's trying to rile him up with that.

"I am better."

"No, you're not." The audacity of hers to believe such. When he spoke again, his tone dropped so only she could hear, in case someone comes up. "You are the reason Farrah doesn't have a mother in case you've forgotten, I didn't. So, while I'm still willing to leave it all behind, quietly walk out of my life."

Zoya was taken aback for a brief second, because he had never spoken to her before. But, it isn't just because of that. He had never brought the past up before—mostly since they haven't seen each other in years. "W—what are you taking about?" Does he know? She couldn't help but wonder.

"Leave." He didn't answer her question, no longer willing to go down that path. "And this should be the last time you come here." He didn't wait for her response as he side stepped her and walked out.

She knows her way out; he wouldn't bother showing her the way.

With him out of sight, she blew out a shaky breath as she blinked repeatedly, trying to gather her thoughts. Somehow, she managed to drag her legs out of the house and into her car. But even then, she couldn't help but think about what he said to her.

He can't possibly know what she has been keeping to herself all these years, right?

Does this have something to do with the woman he married? Whoever she is?

Unable to get a clear mind, she hastily pulled out her phone and dialed a number she hasn't called in a while. Bringing the phone to her ear, the person on the other end answered just in time. "Find out who Asad married. Her name, her family...everything—I don't care how small just bring it all to me."

Despite what Asad said, she wouldn't give up. He actually got married? Okay. She will ruin it then.

By now marrying her, he just unleashed chaos she doubts he can handle. 

~*~

Zoya, bakizo da wasa ba. Period.

Anyways, how are you liking this book so far? Rate it on the scale of 1-10. 

Also, I just realized today makes it exactly twenty days since I started this book, and we're already at chapter 16. Roughly, it's about 50k words so far, and that's something. 

6K views fiful. Ah, sank you. 

I have nothing to say fr. Goodnight.

Love, Jannah.