Nailah Zayed.

Maroudi, Nigeria.

This is going to be hell. Trust me.

I mean, handling this Ayaan guy alone will be a handful. I know that already. However, considering the leech Basma just happens to be with him, I wasn't sure how I'm supposed to handle the situation.

It's a good thing she's not holding onto him like a koala I guess. I wouldn't have been surprised if they had turned up that way. I have zero expectations from the guy when it comes to this—it isn't any of my concern after all.

When it comes to Basma though, I definitely have expectations from her in regards to that. It's something she's capable of doing. So, I wouldn't be surprised if she actually acts upon it.

"Ready?" Imran's voice came, putting an instant halt to my train of thoughts. His head turned to the side, so his eyes will fall on me.

I swallowed thickly, quickly masking my expression. For the first time, I was actually worried about my task, and truth be told, I can't help but feel like my justification is ridiculous. It's just a feeling though.

Nonetheless, I met his gaze and offered him a firm nod. "Let's get this over and done with." I stated, already stepping into my role.

Why should I be scared?

I am Nailah Zayed for crying out loud.

I never fail. This is my field, and more or less, this is my event. Fear? I don't know what that word is. It's right next to nonexistent in my dictionary.

Slipping my hand into his outstretched arm, we both casually strolled towards the direction of the guest of the night. The people parted way for us wordlessly, giving us enough path to reach our destination. I didn't miss the feel of their gazes following our every movement.

I don't blame them. If I was in their shoes, I definitely would've stared too. Aside from being the picture perfect couple, Imran and I were undeniably a force to be reckoned with. Just a glance at us, and you could tell.

We came to a stop once we stood in front of the two—I didn't pay attention to the woman whom I'm still wondering who invited, and instead, focused my gaze on the man no one here has laid eyes on till now.

Imran was the first to make a move. He extended his hand out for a handshake, which was reciprocated before he offered him a small smile. "Mr. Fadel. It's nice to meet your acquaintance."

"I know it is. Mr..." You've got to be kidding me. Is he doing this intentionally? Because there's no way he accepted this invitation not knowing who Imran is.

I held back a scoff. I won't lie. I feel utterly insulted on Imran's behalf.

And what's with that reply of his?

"Hadi." Imran stated, seemingly not sharing the same feeling as me. I wouldn't be so sure though. Imran can be unpredictable at times. I wouldn't put it past him to be able to guard his expression to the point that no one can be able to read him. "Imran Hadi."

Even I find him hard to understand most time. And I've known him for about half my life already.

"President of Hadi Groups?" Ayaan offered him a smug smile back, shaking his hand for what I feel like is a bit longer than necessary. "I've heard about you before. You're our host tonight, right?" I'm itching to wipe that smug look off his face with the back of my heels.

Now seeing him on his feet, he could easily stand about the same height as Imran and undoubtedly, both men exude about the same exuberant energy. The only difference being, Ayaan's mere presence demands attention. How that is possible is beyond me. He carried himself with an aura that showed he knew his worth, and boy is he having a little too much fun showcasing it.

I hated it.

It didn't help that his attitude itself is revolting. I find it childish that he's pretending to be unaware of who we are when I know he does. After all, is it possible he accepted the invitation without knowing who the host is?

Not to mention, a person of his caliber must've done his research. He wouldn't associate himself with just anyone—especially with how big his circle is. It wouldn't be past me if he knows much more about us that others do.

He has that kind of influence.

Just at that very moment, he shifted his attention from Imran to me, who was holding up my infamous blank look though underneath it, I was scrutinizing his every move with hawk eyes. Trust me, it was difficult hiding the glare I was sporting internally. But, even in that state, I knew to put my personal feelings aside and focus on the task at hand.

"—This is my wife." Imran added, noticing the man's attention shift. Placing a warm on the small of my back, he piqued in more. "Nailah Zayed, heir to Zayed Corporation and the genius behind tonight's dinner. If anything, she is the host." One thing I appreciate about Imran at times is his occasional honesty.

He's normally the type that says the truth with no concern over what the outcome will be. Over the years, I find myself doubting his words though a lot more than I wanted to.

However, in times like this, when he says something nice regarding me, I know it's nothing but the truth. And in simple words, I trust and appreciate his honesty now.

I could swear I saw a look cross Ayaan's face when Imran introduced me. But, it disappeared as quick as it made an appearance, and then I was presented with a slight smile.

"It's nice to meet the infamous Nailah Zayed."

"I could say the same about you." That was a lie. Meeting him is anything but 'nice'. I could think of a hundred colorful words to describe the situation. But, I'd rather not. "I look forward to--"

Before I could finish, Ayaan shifted his gaze from me to whoever is behind me. Without so much as an excuse, he simply lifted his hand slightly before excusing himself wordlessly and side stepped us—disappearing to meet whoever he spotted.

My mouth hung open, disbelief crashing over me like waterworks.

What the hell just happened?

"Excuse me, I'll just go and talk to dad for a moment." I wasn't certain if Imran felt offended that Ayaan left us mid conversation. But, judging from how rushed his words came, I could only guess there was something important that came up.

He didn't wait for my response either before he turned around and disappeared to God knows there. I have never felt so insulted in my life. Where did manners fly to? Because I wasn't just ditched mid talk by not one, but two men.

The sound of a cackle, befitting to witches reached my ears, reminding me of the woman I'd forgotten was here for a moment. I heard her smack her hands together to accompany the annoy sound of her cackle before her voice came. "Was the great Nailah Zayed just ditched?" She's enjoying this a little too much than I would like.

I could tell from her tone. It was that obvious and she wasn't even trying to hide it.

I pressed my lips shut, trying to yaw my expression solemn and pretend as if her words didn't affect me. Truth be told, it doesn't.

I just felt insulted for the first time in God knows how long.

"—Sorry ehn." She smacked her lips together, leaving a sound in its awake. "That must've hurt your gigantic ego."

Blowing out a small breath, I finally turned around to spare her a glance. My eyes gave her a once over, before I quirked a brow slightly. "I thought you belong in the fashion industry?" I tutted, "You should give up before your business comes crashing. Just a piece of advice."

She was instantly in dry chuckles, trying to hide the fact that I hit a nerve. When it died down, she didn't bother to hide the annoyed look that took over her expression. Taking a step closer to me, I wasn't surprised her height matched mine. After all, we are about the exact same height.

"You know I really hate you." She stated through gritted teeth, her eyes narrowed in slits.

I offered her a small smile. "The feeling's mutual." I doubt there will ever come a day where she and I would get along.

Our history goes way back, and the hatred is deeply rooted. One would think we're over doing it, but I'd like to think mine is justified.

Maybe, it's not. And maybe, I am not the protagonist I'm portraying myself to be.

But, who cares?

The corner of her lips curled upwards into a slight sneer, and if looks could kill, I'm certain I would be six feet under now. "Your ego has grown a bit too much. It's about time someone brings it down." She lifted her eyes to look behind me, before shifting it back to me again. "And I think the person has just arrived."

I pressed my lips together, and then nodded almost as if agreeing with her words. I don't. "You mean the new guy you're leeching off?" We both know who we're referring too. "Don't you think going after men is a little bit dated now? I don't know if you'd gotten the memo. But, we don't do that here anymore."

She chuckled instantly, as if finding my words amusing. "Don't tell me this is about your husband." So, there is something. I knew it. Almost as if knowing the words in my head, her smile widened as she nodded slowly. "Don't be insecure much. We just hang out a bit. Nothing much."

"I don't remember asking."

"No but surely, his wife must've been curious right?" Did I mention that she'd made it her life mission to torment me? Now do you get one of the reasons I detest her? "I mean, with the way you two love each other, I guess I can try to understand where you're coming from."

Why am I still standing here and listening to her nonsense again please?

"—Like I said, I just kept him company for a little bit. I hope you can understand."

I stared at her for a few seconds, weighing my options to see whether it's worth it to ignore her, or to give her what she's looking for. I eventually decided on the latter. But, I'm not exactly one to leave without the last word.

So, I took a step closer to her, closing the distance between us. Her narrowed eyes followed my every movement, already knowing she wouldn't like whatever I will say at the moment.

And the thought only had me smiling widely. "You can have him if you want. After all, it seems being a second to me is your field of expertise. Not bad." That got on her nerves it seems, because her eyes narrowed even more. I wanted to walk away then, but there's just one thing I wanted to add.

"Don't kid yourself Nailah. You aren't all that." She sneered.

"Oh, am I not?"

She didn't answer. Instead, she gave me a look that's supposed to serve as her response.

Weirdly enough, it only had my smile widening into a grin. "Keep telling yourself that till you believe it. In the mean time, have fun trying to reach where I am. Might take you forever, but keep going. I'll be rooting for you. You got this, girl." Did I just quote one of my favorite Korean dramas at the end? Yes, yes I did.

Not bothering to wait this time around, I stepped past her and walked away. I needed time to gather my thoughts and think of how to approach this entire ordeal. I have a goal tonight, and everything will be meaningless if I don't achieve it.

And you know the worst part? I didn't get to do that.

Ayaan disappeared before I could get to talk to talk to him. I had my eyes off him for a second to talk to a few guests, and the next thing I know, he was out of sight.

"Mr. Fadel had an emergency to attend to, hence why he had to leave early." His assistant, Saif I think his name is, said as he was the one left in the man's stead. His expression was stoic when he answered, similar to that of his boss. "If you have any message, you can tell me and I'll be sure to relay it."

I quirked a brow slightly, the corner of my lips tilted upwards in fake amusement. For the first time in my life, I was actually stood up before I even made the move.

It doesn't take a genius to know there was no emergency. I've been in this position before, only that I used to be in his shoes not on the receiving end. We make up excuses to leave events early if we have no interest there.

It's a common move in our world.

And to think even he would use such a move...I was honestly baffled and slightly irked. He's supposed to at least bid the host adieu before disappearing, and he couldn't even do that.

If he was someone else, I wouldn't have been bothered.

But, it's Ayaan Fadel we're speaking of here. I was asked to get him on our side and believe me when I say not doing so will get me on the bad side of my in-laws, not to talk of my father.

I consoled myself though, with the confidence of knowing I can still do so even if I don't start to lay the plan tonight. I have a while before he leaves Maroudi—assuming he doesn't change his plans that is.

I can still do this. Or so I thought.

What I didn't expect though afterwards was for everything to change overnight.

He proved different, and difficult. That much is obvious. He will not be easy to handle like the others. However, what made me even more interested in him is that meeting him last night made me realize one thing.

Just like all the documents about him states, he seems perfect. Way too perfect. And there's no way in hell someone is that impeccable.

That led to one thought. He is hiding something.

Perhaps, that's my insecurities trying to convince me that everyone is like me. And maybe, I'm wrong but I won't accept that until I see it with my own eyes. That flaw of his might be my best chance of getting through to him because it's obvious he won't make this easy on me.

I guess one thing I failed to anticipate was, Ayaan's presence would change all our lives completely. We weren't ready for such change that smacked us right across the face. And, without a warning whatsoever, I was left to make a decision that will determine what my fate would be.