Nailah Zayed.

Maroudi, Nigeria.

True to Imran's words, he held a press conference the next day to clear up my scandal. I was extremely hesitant to go out there and face the public. Much to my elation though, he told me that I didn't have to go with him.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't elated to hear that, though I tried to hide it from him.

Instead of going there in person, I opted to watch the live broadcast of the conference instead. Quite a lot of reporters showed up, which I wasn't surprised about. They probably thought they would get the latest scoop—that is, Imran throwing me onto the street in public.

However, sad to say, they won't get what they want.

On another note, I know he must've sent out as much invite as he could. Knowing him, he would've wanted to gather as much press as he could at the last minute so the news could spread fast.

"Good day everyone." He started, now standing on the podium. Flashes of various cameras reflected across his features, but he didn't seem fazed by it one bit. "I'm Imran Hadi, as most of you know. Today I will be addressing the issue regarding my wife, Nailah Zayed, and our new business partner, Mr. Ayaan Fadel which sprouted up yesterday."

Taking a seat on one of the couches in the living room, I took the remote and increased the volume. My gaze was fixed on him, no one else. I wanted to see if I could see past his expression—but when have I ever been able to do that?

Imran has proved times without number to be a man that was impossible to penetrate through no matter how hard one tries. Your efforts just keeps bouncing off a wall and gets thrown at you. I know because I've been doing this for years and yet, here we still are.

One thing's clear though, he cares.

He cares about me. He cares about Nailah.

"—those pictures that circulated round the Internet were taken on the day we had a meeting with him regarding the partnership. Unfortunately, I couldn't be there so my wife handled it on her own. Those pictures that spread happened to give an entirely different story, and for that, we would track and make the person responsible face legal charges."

The press seemed to have taken an interest on what he said last, because they began to throw questions from all angles. They all zipped their lips shut though when he continued. I on the other hand couldn't help but wonder how he could be so certain he can find the person responsible.

Can he?

"--That being said, I would like to clarify this issue that there's nothing between my wife and Mr. Ayaan Fadel other than a business relationship. And as such, I would like you all to stop attacking her with your baseless accusations because I won't take it lightly again. Any insult or accusation made against my wife regarding this issue again would be considered slander, and the person responsible will face the wrath of the law, that I promise you."

That was all I needed to hear. Clicking my tongue, I ran a hand through my messy hair before getting on my feet and disappearing off to my room. I could still hear murmurs coming from the TV, as the press conference went on but I'd already heard the most important part.

Knowing Imran, I know he would end it here too. He isn't one that likes socializing with others unless it's absolutely necessary.

What matters to me though is that I had gotten what I wanted. The thought had my lips stretched into a small smile.

~*~

Turns out, I missed another important part of the press conference. The celebratory dinner Imran would be hosting to signify officially putting an end to the rumors and to celebrate the partnership between Hadi Groups and Fadel Affiliation tonight.

The first thought that crossed my mind was that there's something off about this. When I said Imran hardly interacts with people unless necessary, I meant it. It means that he also tries to avoid social gatherings unless it's absolutely important for him to be there. Otherwise, I'm always the one that goes to represent us both.

So, you can imagine my surprise when my assistant shows up at my home, along with three other people that they are there to help me get ready under Imran's request. Never had he shown interest in my dinner events. How I choose to dress up and go was all left to me.

This was all entirely weird.

And as such, I ended up doing something I never saw myself doing; calling to ask him what all this was about. But, he didn't pick up, and since I didn't know early, we were already running behind schedule.

I was left with no choice but to do just that. Normally, I would get dressed up on my own and do my makeup whatsoever. I never had an event where I had to get help from others when I was perfectly capable of doing so on my own.

I didn't need a fashion stylist and a makeup crew to bake me up for it. Now that I'm stuck with them, I won't deny the fact that they did a good work.

My hair, which I dye halfway blonde was neatly tied into bun which was covered with a veil they had pinned ardently. The gown I ended up picking from the row of dresses was long, and flowing. Luckily, I choose to pair it up with Jimmy Choo pumps so it added to my height, aiding the dress so I'm not at the risk of falling and embarrassing myself in the eyes of everyone.

That was the exact thought running through my mind as I stepped out of my car, the door closed behind me by the guard that escorted me. Imran said he would meet me at the event, so I was left to come alone.

Much to my surprise, there were no sight of the press in sight. Considering he announced the event at the press conference, I thought he would invite them so they could take pictures that will prove there's no bad blood between the three of us.

Even if it's a lie but still.

Pushing past my wary thoughts, I held my head high and strutted down the pathway that led to the hall entrance. The closer I got, the louder the soft music played in the background grows.

I was met with the sight of quite a lot of individuals in the hall; half of which are our business partners. Everyone seemed to be getting along and enjoying the party—the air in the place was light, contrary to what I expected.

I would be totally honest though, Imran seemed to have gone all out for the event. Everything, ranging from the decoration to the guests seemed just right. I wonder how long he had been planning. It couldn't have all been put together under twenty-four hours, right? I mean, it's only a little past that since the contract was officially signed.

"There you are." A familiar voice I had been hoping to hear reached my ears, slicing through my train of thoughts.

I blinked, and snapped my gaze in the direction I heard the voice just in time he covered the distance between us. Imran stopped in front of me, and I didn't know what exactly I was expecting, but I found myself disappointed to be met by his usual expressionless facade.

"Imran..." I called out softly, my gaze shifting from him to the hall filled with people. My lips slanted into a slight frown, as my brows drew in as I met his gaze again. "...what's all this?"

"Let's call it....a peace offering." He shrugged slightly, not giving much care to my expression—or maybe, he just choose to ignore it. I'm certain it's obvious something about this feels wrong to me. And no, it's not him.

I just have a bad feeling about it. It's hard to explain.

"Peace offering?"

He nodded, "A sign to everyone that we are united as ever." His gaze never left mine as he answered, seeming to mean every word he uttered. "And to commemorate the partnership between us and Mr. Fadel...though he isn't here yet."

"I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't show up." I muttered, having no expectations from that man. He has been quiet since the scandal started, it wouldn't be surprising if he doesn't show up now too.

"He would." Imran confirmed, not having the slightest hint of doubt in his mind. He then stepped a bit closer, his hand sliding to the small of my back. "Now, let's welcome our guests together before he arrives, okay?"

I resisted the urge to run my tongue across my lip and ruin my lipstick. I'd spent hours for this makeup, I wouldn't ruin it this early. I nodded, however, as he made a move to lead us away I stopped him. "Let me fix this for you." I reached my hands out to fix his necktie. When I was done, I ran my hand on his shoulder, dusting the invisible dirt there. "Let's go." I mumbled.

He didn't say a thing, but he did give me a small, barely visible smile. At least, I managed to get something out of him.

Times passed by after that pretty much in a blur. I felt like I was repeating the same thing over and over again, just like how my life is. The only difference is, I wasn't doing this alone—I was with Imran throughout the step of meeting guests and interacting with them.

I guess for a moment, it all didn't feel like an act...I and Imran that is. It felt like we were finally on the same page; and him never leaving my side made this easier than it's supposed to be.

No one made any nasty comment regarding me, at least not in our presence. I would say Imran's steel expression helped, along with the warning he sent across earlier. Everyone knew not to mess with him on that. He barely gets involved in such stuff. But, when he does, he means business—that much everyone knows.

There was one person that everyone wanted to see, and was still yet to show up.

Ayaan.

It's been about an hour into the event, and he was yet to show face. It wasn't going well with the whole purpose of the event. Imran still didn't seem worried, and even if he was, I couldn't tell.

At one point, I made an attempt to catch Imran's attention before we meet yet another guest and I'd have to feign a smile all over again. "Excuse me, I'd just use the rest room real quick." I mumbled low, so only he could hear.

He looked down so his gaze would meet mine, before he nodded. "Ladies restroom is on the second floor, to your right." He explained. Since we'd never had any events here...I've never been here before but apparently he knows his way around it. "Everyone else was must be using the one on this floor. You'd have privacy there."

One of things I'm most thankful for, is how he happens to know me quite well even if he doesn't show it. I don't like sharing anything of mine; especially bathrooms. I'd always avoided visiting public restrooms but now, I was pressed and would make do with whatever I can get.

He just saved me the stress.

I offered him a small smile, before I left his hold and walked away—throwing smile to anyone I came across. I somehow managed to evade talking to anyone; and while on my way up the stairs, I took the opportunity to reply a few of the messages I'd gotten.

There was a particular one that came through earlier, and I happened to be too busy to notice it. My gaze was still on my phone, looking up only a few times to follow the lead Imran gave me. I pushed the door open just in time I sent the message.

A small sigh left my lips as I made a move to place my phone on the counter, raising my head to look around the place.

I never got to do so.

Because the first thing I did was froze in my exact position, the phone slipping right out of my hold and falling on the floor. For the first few seconds, I was too frozen to even react or do anything else. However, the sight in front of me registered, and the wheels in my head started to run faster than usual.

My very first reaction after that was an act of impulse.

A piercing scream left my parted lips, and in an attempt to get as far away from the scene, I stepped on my dress and fell on the floor. The pain that registered in my head was nothing compared to the gruesome scene in front of me though, and I hadn't even realized I had kept screaming until the door was swung open and hands were placed on my shoulder.

I was far too gone to realize who it was, or to comprehend the other voices that suddenly filled the room. The person that held me back moved to shield my gaze from the scene that will no doubt hunt me for possibly the rest of my life.

However, amidst all the chaos, and before my sight was completely blocked, my eyes fell on one person standing across me.

Ayaan Fadel.