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"Now do you believe it?" Tahir's voice was bitter as he stared at his sister, his jaw clenched. He had just seen the video Kiaan shared with him, and his frustration was clear.

Hooriya shook her head, her voice trembling. "No. This is wrong. It's misinformation."

Tahir put his phone away, glaring. "My dear sister, I know you love him. He tricked you; it's not your fault. But you need to forget about him. I'm just glad this came out before he broke your heart—or worse."

Hooriya wiped her teary eyes, her voice rising. "Don't you know Osman? He's a billionaire, Tahir! Someone's spreading lies to ruin his reputation!"

Tahir closed his eyes, trying to stay calm. "But what if it's true? Can you even consider looking at this from my perspective?"

"And what if you're wrong?" Hooriya shot back, gently pushing his hand off her cheek. "Can't you see it from my side?"

Tahir stared at her, speechless for a moment, then his expression hardened. "No. You'll forget about him and never bring this up again. Focus on your studies. I'll find someone better for you." With that, he stormed out, leaving her in stunned silence.

Two days passed since Tahir had cut off all her communication, banning her from going outside and confiscating her phone. He even called off work to stay home, determined to keep a close watch. Their once close relationship felt shattered—he no longer trusted her, and Hooriya's heart ached with betrayal. Tahir feared that if she returned to college, Osman might find her and manipulate her further. In his mind, Hooriya was still his baby sister, someone who needed his protection, no matter what.

Hooriya had locked herself in her room, crying until she was exhausted. Tahir, too, was struggling. Every night, when she fell asleep, he would quietly unlock her door, leave a meal by her bed, kiss her forehead, and then silently leave, hoping she would come around. But every time, she ignored him and locked herself back in.

Stubbornness clearly ran in the family.

Around 11 a.m., there was a knock at the door. Tahir sighed when he saw Aliyah standing outside, looking impatient. He opened the door, bracing himself.

"What is going on with you two?" Aliyah burst inside, her voice filled with annoyance. "Have you two gotten COVID or something? It's like you've both disappeared from the world!" She shot him an accusing look and locked the door behind her.

"I've called Hooriya a thousand times, and she hasn't responded once! And you! You've ignored all of my calls too. What's going on? Why isn't she coming to college? Is she okay? I had to take a day off work just to come here and see for myself."

Tahir let out a deep sigh, his exhaustion visible. "Aliyah, so much has happened." He started explaining everything—Osman, the video, how Kiaan had helped him expose it all. Aliyah listened in disbelief, pacing back and forth, her hand pressed against her forehead.

"This is insane," she finally muttered. "So much has happened, and I had no idea."

Suddenly, Aliyah's expression shifted as she realized how much Hooriya must be suffering. "My poor Riya..." Without wasting another second, she bolted upstairs, banging on Hooriya's door. "Hooriya, it's me, Aliyah! Open up, please!"

After a tense couple of minutes, the door finally creaked open. Hooriya stood there, her face streaked with tears. Aliyah pulled her into a tight hug without saying a word, and immediately, Hooriya broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Shh, it's okay. I'm here now," Aliyah whispered, rubbing her back as they sat on the bed. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you sooner. I had no idea all of this was happening."

Between sobs, Hooriya poured out her heart, explaining everything, including how Tahir had taken her phone and refused to let her return to college. Aliyah's jaw dropped, outraged by Tahir's extreme measures.

"He did what? He took your phone and won't let you go to college?" Aliyah shook her head in disbelief. "That's too far, even for him."

"No one understands," Hooriya cried, her voice hoarse. "I know Osman. He wouldn't do this."

Aliyah held her tightly, nodding. "I believe you. The way you talk about him, how much faith you have in him—it makes me think something's not right here. I'm on your side."

Hooriya gave a small, sad smile, grateful for Aliyah's support.

"I'm going to talk to your brother," Aliyah said, standing up. She walked to the door, but as she opened it, she found Tahir standing just outside, listening.

"Tahir," Aliyah said sharply, her voice filled with disappointment, "this isn't how you treat her."

"You don't understand," Tahir began, but Aliyah cut him off.

"No, you don't understand. You're making this worse! I get that you want to protect her, but taking her phone and banning her from college? Really? That's not helping."

Tahir's gaze shifted to Hooriya, but she quickly looked away, still hurt.

Aliyah took a deep breath, calming herself. "Let her go to college, Tahir."

"And what if Osman tries to meet her there?" Tahir growled. "I swear, I'll kill him if he does."

Hooriya's head shot up at his words, her eyes wide with fear and disbelief.

"He won't," Aliyah said firmly. "You need to stop assuming the worst and actually find out the truth. Look into who posted that video and whether it's real. What if you're the one who's wrong? Until you know for sure, stop punishing her."

Tahir stood there, silent, torn between his protective instincts and the weight of Aliyah's words.

Aliyah stepped closer. "I'll take her to and from college myself. I'll make sure she's safe, and you'll see her every day. But you need to let her live her life, Tahir. Trust me. Trust her." She says pointing to Hooriya and herself.

---

"I'm letting you go," Tahir said with a cold tone, his words heavy with finality. "Focus on your college. Don't think about anything else. But promise me, if Osman tries to contact you, you'll ignore him completely." Hooriya stared up at him, her heart sinking.

Was this really her brother? The one who used to listen to her, who would always take her feelings into account?

Tahir took her hand, his grip firm. "If you go with him or even talk to him, you'll lose me. I won't consider you my sister anymore. I'll forget everything, and I'll personally call Osman, tell him to take you away forever." His voice was harsh, and the seriousness in his eyes sent chills through her.

Hooriya felt the sting of his words deep inside. He had never spoken to her like this before, never been so bitter, so cold. She stood there, unable to respond, overwhelmed by how drastically things had changed between them. With a final look of disdain, Tahir turned and walked away, leaving her feeling hollow.
Hooriya met Aliyah at the door, her steps slow and heavy.

They headed to the college together, but the silence between them was thick. Aliyah tried to make small talk, but Hooriya was too lost in her thoughts to engage. All she could think about were her brother's hurtful words.

When they arrived at the college, Hooriya walked to her classroom without a word, her mind still clouded by everything that had happened. Aliyah watched her walk away, deeply concerned, sensing something was terribly wrong.

Classes passed by in a blur for Hooriya. By the end of the day, she packed her books and turned to leave when she saw him.

Osman stood there looking at her path, his eyes filled with concern. "Güzelim," he said softly, stepping closer. "What's happening? I've been trying to reach you. I didn't come to meet you earlier because I knew you wouldn't want that, but l've been dying to see you. I called you so many times."

"Move," Hooriya said sharply, her voice void of emotion as she tried to walk past him.

Osman grabbed her wrist, pulling her back gently. "Hooriya," he said, his voice low, almost pleading.
"There's nothing between us anymore," she spat, her voice laced with bitterness. "I'm breaking up with you. I don't want to see you again. Don't touch me."

He chuckled, though the laugh was strained.
"You're joking, right?"
"I'm not joking," Hooriya replied, yanking her wrist free. "I've moved on. I don't know you anymore, and you'll pretend the same."

Osman's expression hardened. "You've moved on? You know what that means, right? Moving on means forgetting. I could never forget you. I would never give up on you."

Hooriya's voice rose in anger. "Don't you hear me? I said I'm breaking up with you! Now move!"
Osman's patience snapped. His grip tightened as he pushed her against the wall, causing her books to tumble to the ground.

"You're not leaving me. Ever," he hissed.
Aliyah rushed over, her face pale with fear.
"Leave her alone!" she cried, stepping between them. But one warning glance from Osman made her back off in panic. "I'll be waiting outside," sh mumbled before hurrying away, leaving Hooriya to face Osman alone.

But Aliyah knew Osman wouldn't hurt Riya.

Osman leaned in closer, his voice a dangerous whisper. "Don't provoke me by acting like this. I won't forgive you. We'll figure this out, together. I've hired someone to look into the situation. I swear to Allah, the one who created us, it's you-only you. No one else matters. Don't believe anything you've heard but me."

Hooriya placed her hands on his chest, pushing him away. "This is my decision, Osman. I don't want to be with you."

His hands slid up to her neck, his voice soft but menacing. "You don't get to decide that, güzelim. I'll take you away right now, and you'll never be seen again. Even if you beg me, I won't bring you back. You know how much I love you. I gave up everything for you. You promised we'd be together."

She shook her head, her voice trembling with frustration. "Look at you. I don't even recognize you anymore. You're trying to force me to stay. What's the difference between you and Kiaan?"

Osman's expression darkened. "Kiaan? Who is he?"
"Some psycho," Hooriya muttered, bending down to pick up her books. "I have to go. Don't try to see me again." This side of hers, was never seen before.

What happened to her suddenly? So much anger and hurt.

"Wait-" Osman started, but his words were cut off when Hooriya slapped him hard across the face.
Time seemed to freeze for a moment.

Osman stood there, stunned, his cheek red from the impact. "I'm so tired of you," Hooriya shouted, her voice trembling with rage. "I said leave me alone! Don't you understand?!" Osman's eyes filled with pain, but she didn't care. She pointed a finger at him, her voice sharp and unyielding. "If you come after me again, I'll kill myself!" With that, she stormed out of the classroom, leaving Osman froze in place.

Aliyah rushed to catch up with her, her eyes wide with shock. "Did you really slap him?"
Kiaan, who had been watching from the shadows, smirked. Everything was falling into place exactly as he had planned.

—-

"Come on! You're going today!" Today was Shelia's birthday party. Aliyah never wanted to go in the first place but changed her mind just for Hooriya. A week had passed since the incident between them all. Depressing week it had been, even though Aliyah coming and going to Hooriya's house. She really didn't have any close conversation with him. Tahir was also depressed with the whole situation. Maybe going to the party can help Riya feel a little better.

"Go get ready!" Aliyah pushed Riya into the bathroom, forcing her to take a shower. The party would start at six today. Aliyah had already informed Tahir, and she pleaded with him to let him take Riya with her. Tahir had a bad feeling about it, he refused at first, but seeing her puppy eyes, he had to agree.

After a few hours, both were ready. Hooriya was wearing a satin creamy maxi dress with long bell sleeves, an elegant crew neck, and a ruched waist, paired with a side bun hairstyle. Aliyah was wearing a belted sapphire blue lace maxi dress with her hair open.

"We look so gorgeous!" Aliyah says, jumping up and down. Hooriya smiles. "Let's take pictures." After they were done, they headed downstairs. Tahir looks at Aliyah; she looks stunning, and she feels shy and looks down.

Tahir clears his throat, taking their attention. "Be safe. Anything happens, just call me—""Yes, yes, we get it. We will look out for each other," Aliyah interrupts.

Shelia ended up calling Aliyah to make sure they were coming now. Shelia sent her address.

Tahir had gave her phone back, but Hooriya took it from him and threw it under the bed. It was switched off, and she never turned it on. She was just mad. What was the need for it? Her brother broke her heart, and she broke Osman's heart. Which, from both sides, killed her.

"God, I didn't know this Shelia girl is rich," Aliyah commented when they arrived at the penthouse apartment, which is on the last floor of the building. The guards stopped them at the entrance."Names?" "Aliyah and Hooriya," they replied. The guard nodded. "Last floor, number 12 is the room."

"Thank you," they said as they got inside.

When they arrived at the last floor, the loud music welcomed them. It was crowded. Hooriya felt uneasy."Can we go back?" she asked.

Aliyah shook her head to no and slowly started walking. They met their other friends and started conversing.

Aliyah turned to her. "Shoot, I forgot her gift in the backseat of the car."

"I will get it," Hooriya quickly added.
Aliyah smiled, handing her the keys. "Be quick, be safe. Or else your brother will kill me!" Hooriya nodded.
As she got in the elevator, she heard a voice. "Wait!" Hooriya quickly forwarded her hand to stop the elevator from closing.

Shelia ran inside, smiling. "Thank you, Hooriya."

"No problem! Happiest birthday! I didn't see you back there!" Hooriya said, hugging her and wishing her.

The elevator closed. "Thank you," Shelia said, looking a little nervous. She pressed the button for the 9th floor."Where are you going?" Shelia questioned, looking at her. "You're looking so pretty!" she also complimented her.

Hooriya nods, blushing. "We forgot your gift in the car. I'm going to get it." Shelia nodded. The elevator opened.

"Hey, can you help me? I'm going to my private room to change my clothes. I will need your help with my dress." Hooriya felt something was off.

"Please, please. I can't find someone else at the moment. Plus, I can trust you and you're a girl. Girls help each other out!" Shelia pleaded, taking her wrist and pulling her out of the elevator. It was so sudden.

"Okay. Okay. Calm down. Slow," Hooriya said following her. Hooriya took a glance around her as they walked the hallways and finally arrived at the room.

Shelia unlocked the door and they both stepped inside. The room was dark and cold. "Why is it so dark?" Hooriya asked.

Suddenly, Shelia pushed her a little and ran out of the room, quickly locking the door from the outside