"You did what?" Hudaa yelled over the phone, infuriated over my actions. I explained everything to her, everything beginning from last night, upto Adils proposal and accusations — of Mr Ahmed and I. Now I wish I never told her, she is disappointed and has been scolding me for almost an hour now. I am going to get a bad headache after this call.

"Calm down..." I said.

"How can I calm down when my best friend is throwing away an opportunity of a life-time, destiny doesn't just happen, you create your own future by your actions. Layla why would you do deny him a chance? Unless his right and you actually are falling for your boss and you just don't know it yet," she spoke, not a moment of inhalation of air. How does she talk so fast?

"I am not in love with my boss, it will never happen. I don't like him. Why does everyone think they know what's best for me and my feelings," I stopped talking and breathed in, trying my very best to not cry.

"I just want what's best for you..." Hudaa spoke in a low tone.

"And that's what? Marriage? If this is about my happiness — I am fine," I tried to reason out my feelings.

"How long will you look after Imad? What about your life?" Hudaa spoke — sounding rather sad. I understand her concern, the truth is I don't know yet. I told her the same answer, whenever she asks me about Imad and my life.

"As long as he needs me, as for my life — it will work out it self somehow. Anyway I have to go pick up Imad from school, talk to you later, bye."

"Okay later," She said and hang up. I looked at my phone and I thought about Adil and what he said. Maybe I am scared of being genuinely happy, and I keep on running away from it. It seems everyone has their opinions on my life. But the only ones that mattered were my parents. The only peace left for me in my life is my prayers.

The driver is supposed to take me to pick up Imad. I should get going...

I head outside and find the car parked outside and the driver waiting by the car. I quickly got in the car. In a matter of minutes, we reach the school. I started looking for Imad and he wasn't outside along with the other children, nor in the playground. Panicking isn't going to help me in this situation. I got in the school and start looking for his teacher. I found her along the hallway, as she made her way to the staff room.

"Excuse me Miss Emma," I called out, rushing towards her. She turns around and a warm smile plastered on her face.

"Oh hi Layla," she said, and waved at me.

"Hey, I can't seem to find Imad. Do you have any idea where he might be?" I spoke, the sound of my beating heart taking over my mind.

"Imad left with his uncle, he said he is related to Mr Ahmed. Um he said they are brothers. Imad knew him," she explained.

"All his uncles live abroad, how could you let him leave this school. When you know I always pick him up. This is unacceptable."

"I am sorry Layla but I thought..."

"It doesn't matter what you think. What if it's a kidnapper or worse a pedophile. I have to go, but this is not over," I told her, walking away from her. I ran out the exit and towards the car. I got in the car, and instructed the driver to go back home. Maybe this "uncle" of his took him home. My mind wouldn't stop imagining life threatening scenarios, my heart just couldn't stop racing. When I got back to the mansion, I rushed inside. Got in the mansion, and started calling out Imads name. Tears lingering in my eyelids. He has to be home.

As I was going upstairs, I heard a laughter. It came from the garden. I look through the glass-sliding door, and see Imad. He's playing football with his uncle — Hussein. Alhamdulliah.

I open the sliding door, and stand from a far as I watched Imad play. "Layla!" He yelled out my name, when he saw me. I waved at him, and smiled. He is still in his school uniform. After a few more minutes of playing, Imad ran to me and hugged me. " I got a new football ball. Uncle Hussein brought it for me," he said, excitedly.

"That's nice. Now you have to go take a shower and after that..."

"I know I know, I have to do my homework and then I can play with my ipad." He said walking past me, throwing the ball and catching it. I couldn't help it but smile, alhamdulliah he is home and safe.

"You are really good with him," Hussein spoke in a husky tone, then smiled. Something I have never seen Mr Ahmed do.

"Yes," I replied.

"Sorry about picking him up from school without letting anyone know. You must have been worried. I just missed him, I thought it would be nice to spend a little time with him," he spoke in a polite manner.

"That's okay — I am just glad he is safe."

"My brother is one lucky guy," he mumbled under his breath. I awkwardly smiled and walked away. That was bizarre, I thought to myself. My phone started ringing, I took it out my purse. The caller ID, read Adil. I wonder why he's calling me, I picked up the call.

"Hello?" I said in a low tone.

"Are you at the mansion?" He asked.

"Yes I am," I replied. "Why? Is everything okay?" I asked, my curiosity taking over.

"I am on my way ," Adil said, and hang up. As I walk back inside the mansion — Hussein grabs my hand.

"Leave my hand!" I yelled.

"No," he said, in a low voice. "I want to talk to you."

"I do not care. Just let go of me," I said in a firm tone.

"I need you to do something for me," he says and let's go of my hand. "My mother is sitting on my inheritance money and I need that money as soon as possible. I need her to sign some papers."

"I will not get involved in your family affairs. It's not my business," I told him. It seems like the whole Damari family is messed up in some way.

"I will pay you," he said. The door bell rang, it must be Adil.

"I don't want your money. I don't want anything from you," I told him and walked away from him. The door bell was rang several of times, until I opened the door. Adil stood there, his eyes filled sympathy and concern. Already in his uniform, all white, decorated with shoulder badges and pins.

"Are you okay?" He asked me, in a low tone.

"Adil what a surprise? It's nice to see you cousin," Hussein walked past me and went to hug Adil. Adil didn't budge, it doesn't seem like he likes him.

"What's going on here?" I asked.

"Layla this man is no truthful person nor humane. Money is all he has ever cared about," Adil spoke. "And he will do anything in his power to attain it. Anything. Even if it means killing or cheating his loved ones along the way."

"Not entirely true cousin... I wouldn't kill. Money is essential to live in this world, without it you are just as pathetic and useless. You might see me as a monster but when you have the chance to be rich you take it. Anyone would," he said, as if a preacher. Though his words were completely nonsense.

"I don't want anything to do with this, whatever this is." Mr Ahmed's brother left, and he got into his car.

I carefully watch as Adil removes something from his trouser's pocket. In his hand he held a round-cut diamond ring. A ring? I can't believe it. "I wanted to give you something before I leave. You don't have to tell me your answer now. I am sorry for what I said earlier, that was totally out of context. My feelings for you can't easily change. I want you to keep this ring and whenever you're ready, just tell me. Even if it's after some years, I will wait for you because honestly I don't want anyone else."

"Adil I don't know what to say," I told him. My cheeks flushed, I know they're pink now. As for my excitement—the adrenaline rush, made it hard to even think.

"You don't have to say anything. Just keep the ring," he said. I gave out my hand and he kept the ring on my palm, the ring is so lovely.

"Thank you, this is so... I am speechless. I'll be sure to have an answer when we see each other again," I said, while taking quick glances at the ring.

"Yes insha allah. You owe yourself the love that you so freely give to other people," he said. "I should get going now."

"Take care," I told him.

"Thank you, you too Layl." He didn't give up... I looked at the ring and couldn't stop smiling.

❤️