Sheza sat on the large king-sized chair of her father-in-law, her tiny figure almost swallowed by its grandeur. Her brows furrowed in deep concentration as she stared at the bright screen of the computer. A pen dangled precariously from her pouty lips, occasionally tapping against them as she hummed thoughtfully, her focus unwavering.

After a moment, she nodded decisively to herself, her fingers dancing across the keyboard.

"What is a date?" she typed, her small voice echoing in the empty study as she read the words aloud.

The search results flooded the screen, and Sheza clicked on the first one, reading the article aloud to herself:

"It says when a person is in love with someone, they ask the one they love for a date. It could be a romantic date, an amusement park visit, or even a coffee meet-up. Some dates help improve relationships, even taking them to the next level."

Sheza froze at the last part, her face scrunching up in confusion. "Next level? What's that supposed to mean?" she muttered. Unable to leave the mystery unsolved, she quickly typed into the search bar:
"How to upgrade your relationship to the next level?"

Once again, thousands of responses appeared on the screen. Just as she was about to click on the first one, a sudden knock on the door made her jump in her seat. She panicked, quickly closing all the tabs and clearing the browser as though she had been caught committing a crime.

"Yes?" she called out, her voice trembling slightly.

The door creaked open, revealing Wahaj, who stepped in with his usual calm demeanor. He gave a slight bow, respecting her, and then spoke.

"Your kittens are meowing for food, but Sparkle isn't letting anyone touch the babies," he informed her with a hint of amusement in his tone.

Sheza blinked, her thoughts about "next levels" vanishing as she focused on Wahaj's words. "Oh no, not again!" she sighed, already imagining the chaos Sparkle—their fiercely protective wolf—was causing.

She quickly hopped from the chair and walked toward the door while having thoughts of a date. Wahaj opened the door wider for her, Sheza walked absentmindedly, and Wahaj noticed her oddly calm and silent demeanour, the cute yapper was silent today and was thinking so hard while staring at the floor.

"Anything serious, Mrs. Khan?" Wahaj asked, his voice calm as he noticed how fast Sheza was walking ahead of him. Sheza looked at him with wide eyes, then silently shook her head, offering a tight-lipped smile in response.

Wahaj raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He simply nodded and continued walking at his usual steady pace. The silence between them was brief before they reached the garden, where the sight of Sparkle, the large female wolf, caught their attention. The protective creature was playfully surrounded by the tiny kittens, who were running around her, making the scene look like pure chaos and joy.

Sheza couldn't help herself. She giggled at the sight, squealing in excitement at the adorable chaos before her. She immediately made a beeline toward Sparkle, who was sprawled out on the lush green grass, with the little kittens playfully crawling all around her.

"Hey, Sparky! Having fun without me?" Sheza pouted dramatically, making her way toward the wolf. Sparkle lifted her head and immediately perked up at the sound of her name. The wolf growled in happiness, her tail wagging furiously, before rushing toward Sheza in pure haste, clearly excited to see her.

Sheza settled on the soft grass in a criss-cross position, the warmth of the sun adding to the cozy atmosphere. Sparkle, the large wolf, wasted no time and rushed over, licking Sheza's face with pure excitement.Sheza couldn't help but giggle at the wolf's enthusiastic greeting, raising her small hand to pat Sparkle's head softly.

The wolf purred contentedly and nuzzled her large body against Sheza, who wrapped her arms around the wolf's head, kissing the crown affectionately. "My Sparky is so adorable and cute, so putty and mushy-mushy for mumma, hmm?" Sheza cooed, her voice dripping with affection. Sparkle responded with a low growl, her version of a contented hum, making Sheza laugh even more.

Before she could settle into the moment, a gang of mischievous kittens swarmed around her, meowing loudly and playfully batting at her hands.
Sheza smiled widely at their antics, feeling the love and chaos they brought. She raised her finger, trying to playfully scold them.

"Shh! So lousy and naughty kittens, you all are!" She attempted to sound stern, but the kittens' innocent mewing melted her, and she couldn't hold her act. "Okay, okay, I'm giving you your food, now be quiet, shh," she finally relented with a smile, giving in to their cuteness.

Sheza tried to get up, brushing the grass off her clothes, but before she could fully stand, Sparkle pressed her bulky body against her, pinning her down. Sheza gasped loudly, a startled squeak escaping her lips as she fell backward onto the grass. Her head was just about to hit the ground when a firm hand slipped beneath it, cushioning the impact.

Sheza blinked up in surprise and saw Wahaj kneeling beside her, his hand protectively cradling her head. His usual stoic face now showed a flicker of concern as he asked, "Are you fine, Mrs. Khan?" His deep voice carried an uncharacteristic softness as he gently pushed Sparkle off her petite frame.

The wolf growled lowly, clearly annoyed by Wahaj's interference, her sharp teeth flashing in a possessive display. Sheza's eyes darted nervously between the two, her heart racing as she quickly nodded. "Y-Yes, I'm fine. Thank you!" she stammered, her voice slightly breathless. Wahaj's sharp eyes studied her for a moment longer before giving her a brief nod and stepping back.

Sheza turned toward Sparkle, who now stood protectively in front of her, baring her teeth at Wahaj. The tension in the air was palpable as the wolf's growls deepened, and Sheza's heart ached at the sight. She reached out, her soft voice tinged with gentle reprimand. "Sparkle, this is not how you behave," she said firmly, though a note of hurt laced her words. "Stop baring your teeth."

Sparkle's growls quieted as she caught the disappointment in Sheza's tone. The wolf lowered her head, her ears drooping as if ashamed, and let out a low whimper of apology. Sheza sighed, her heart softening instantly. "It's okay, but no more growling, okay?" She patted Sparkle's head soothingly, while the wolf rubbed her nose against Sheza's hand in an act of remorse.

Wahaj, now standing behind Sheza, observed the scene in silence, his hands tucked into his pockets as a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Quite the queen of chaos you have here, Mrs. Khan," he remarked dryly, his tone carrying a trace of humor.

Sheza glanced over her shoulder at him, her lips twitching into a shy smile. "She's just a little overprotective," she replied softly, scratching Sparkle behind her ears, who let out a content purr.

"Okay now, Sparky, go to your house and rest, hmm?" Sheza cooed softly, patting the wolf one last time. Sparkle obeyed without hesitation, trotting gracefully toward her nest nestled deep within the garden. Sheza's lips curled into a gentle smile as she watched the loyal wolf retreat, her heart warming at the sight.

Her attention then shifted to the tiny kittens sprawled comfortably on her lap, their small bodies rising and falling as they dozed. "Hey, babies, wake up! It's food time," she whispered, her voice as soft as a lullaby. She gently nudged them, and one by one, the kittens stirred, yawning adorably before blinking up at her with sleepy eyes.

Sheza stood carefully, cradling the kittens in her arms, and strolled toward their little house at the edge of the garden. She filled their containers with cat food, smiling as the kittens scrambled out of her grasp and dashed toward the bowls. Their enthusiastic munching made her giggle. "Such little gluttons," she teased, crouching down to stroke one of them as it purred contentedly.

As she stepped out of the kittens' house, she noticed Wahaj standing nearby, silent and steady, holding an umbrella above her head. The soft sunlight filtering through the garden made the gesture seem almost unnecessary, but it was the thoughtfulness that caught her off guard.

"You've been holding that this entire time?" Sheza asked, her voice filled with a mixture of amusement and surprise.

"Of course," he replied simply, his tone stoic as always. "I wouldn't want Mrs. Khan to wilt under the sun, would I?" His words were straightforward, but there was a playful glint in his eyes, as he held the umbrella abover her head protecting her from the harsh sunlight.

Sheza giggled, her cheeks turning a soft pink. "You're always so serious, Mr bodyguard. Do you ever relax?" she teased, playfully narrowing her eyes at him.

"I relax when the kittens don't cause chaos and their queen isn't too busy giggling to notice she's been out in the sun too long," he quipped, his deadpan delivery making her laugh even harder.

"Is that soooo!!" She cutely stretched words walked forward while Wahaj chuckled drly. Sheza's eyes widened at the sound and she squealed.

Sheza's eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned on her heels to face Wahaj, her hands clasped dramatically over her mouth. "Wait a minute... did you just chuckle?! Oh my God! Is this real life? Somebody pinch me!" she squealed, bouncing slightly on her toes like she had just discovered a national treasure.

Wahaj raised a single brow, his stoic face unbothered. "Mrs. Khan, I think the sun might be affecting you. Perhaps you need to sit down?"

Ignoring his comment, Sheza pointed an accusing finger at him. "Admit it! You chuckled! I heard it, plain as day!" She crossed her arms and tapped her foot, waiting.

He sighed deeply, his hands tucked neatly behind his back. "Mrs. Khan, you must be mistaken. I do not 'chuckle.' It's an unnecessary expenditure of energy."

Sheza gasped, pretending to look offended. "Oh, so now you're calling me a liar? Mr bodyguard, my ears do not deceive me! That was a chuckle, clear as the blue sky! Admit it, or I'll... I'll..." She faltered, her lips jutted in a cute pout, then quickly added, "I'll tell Sparkle you're mean to me!"

Wahaj remained unfazed, though a flicker of amusement passed through his eyes. "The wolf is already suspicious of me. If she attacks, I'll let her know who tattled."

Sheza placed her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes at him. "Wow, blackmailing me now? Mr, you're becoming more devious by the second. First chuckling, now this? What's next? Will you start cracking jokes too?"

Wahaj's lips twitched, but he quickly straightened his expression. "I assure you, Mrs. Khan, I have no intention of stooping to such frivolous behavior."

Sheza pounced on his momentary slip, wagging her finger with triumph. "Ah-ha! That lip twitch! I saw it! You wanted to smile, didn't you? You're not as serious as you pretend to be!"

Wahaj shook his head slightly, adjusting his tie as though her words were of no consequence. "I'll admit nothing, Mrs. Khan. Your imagination is too active for your own good."

Sheza pouted dramatically, stomping her foot. "Oh ho, Mr! You're no fun! You could at least laugh once in a while. It won't hurt, you know. Also, it will be a secret!"

Wahaj tilted his head slightly, the faintest hint of dry humor in his tone. "And how would you know that, Mrs. Khan? Are you a certified expert in the mechanics of laughter?"

Sheza crossed her arms, grinning mischievously. "No, but I am an expert in breaking stoic walls. And I'm telling you, Mr, you're gonna crack one of these days, and I'll be the one to make it happen!"

Wahaj's response was as deadpan as ever. "Good luck with that, Mrs. Khan. You have your work cut out for you."

Sheza couldn't help but laugh, skipping ahead of him as she called out, "Challenge accepted, Mr. Serious Face!" Wahaj merely shook his head, following her at a measured pace, the faintest trace of a smirk curling his lips when she wasn't looking.

Sheza stomped her way up the grand staircase, dramatically clutching the banister like it was the last hope in her life. "Mamaaaaa~~! Where are youuuu~~?" she wailed in a sing-song voice, her pitch soaring higher with every syllable. Her voice echoed through the mansion like a theatrical opera.

She stopped midway, clutching her chest with one hand and throwing the other toward the heavens. "Oh, the agony of a daughter abandoned by her own mother! Left to wander these vast halls alone, lost, confused, motherless!" She let out an exaggerated sob before collapsing onto the staircase dramatically.

But then she popped right back up. "Amiiiiiiiiii~~!" she hit a high note that could rival any pop star, holding it for an unnecessarily long time. "Where have you gone? Have you left me for good? Was it something I said?!"

Sheza strutted down the corridor, her slippers clapping against the marble floor as she opened random doors, peeking inside like a detective on a case. She swung one door open dramatically. "Are you hiding in here, plotting a secret rebellion against me? Huh?!" Finding the room empty, she slammed it shut with unnecessary flair and spun on her heel.

"Oh, cruel world!" She raised both hands to the chandelier, twirling in place. "My dear Ammi has left me all alone, in this cold, heartless mansion where the ceilings are too high, and the rooms are too many!"

When no response came, Sheza huffed and placed a hand on her forehead like she was about to faint. "A daughter calls for her mother, and yet no one answers! Am I not loved? Have I become a burden? Is this how it ends for me?!"

She dashes toward the kitchen next, her voice taking on a soft, mournful tone. "Oh, mummyyyy~, are you baking cookies without me? Are you hiding with Sparkle and the kittens?!" She poked her head into the pantry and sang a ballad-like tune, "Come out, come out, wherever you are! Don't leave me hanging, mother dearest!"

After scouring two more rooms, she froze in the middle of the hallway, gasping loudly and covering her mouth. "Have you been kidnapped?!" She slapped both cheeks in horror and started pacing. "Oh no, oh no, oh no! What if pirates barged into the mansion and carried her away? Am I next? Should I prepare to fight?!" She picked up a decorative vase and brandished it like a weapon.

Finally, she heard a soft chuckle behind her. "What on earth are you doing, kitten?"

Sheza whipped around, nearly dropping the vase, and found Maira standing at the end of the hallway, arms crossed, her face half amused and half exasperated.

"Ammi!" Sheza dropped the vase on a nearby table and sprinted toward her, flinging her arms around her like a long-lost child reunited with their parent after decades. "I've been looking for you everywhere! Do you have any idea how worried I was? I thought pirates took you!"

Maira raised an eyebrow, patting Sheza's head. "Pirates? Really? You live in your own soap opera, don't you?"

Sheza pulled back, grinning cheekily. "Well, what else am I supposed to think when you vanish in this mansion?! It's like finding a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is made of rooms, and the needle is my missing Ammi!"

Maira sighed, shaking her head with a fond smile. "I was in the study, reading. You could've just called."

Sheza's eyes widened as if Maira had just revealed the greatest secret in the universe. "Oh." She scratched her skin innocently. "I guess I forgot about that..."

Maira gave her a knowing look. "Of course you did. Now, why don't you come to help me in the study instead of running around like a lost puppy?"

Sheza linked arms with her mother, already chattering excitedly about her next dramatic performance.

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

"So, you are telling me that, Saad told you to get ready at 7 in the evening, also a Date?"

Sheza nodded eagerly, her eyes wide with excitement, as she nervously fidgeted with her hands. Maira leaned back in her chair, observing her daughter-in-law's eager demeanor, before sighing with a smile.

"And now you want my help?"

Sheza answered with a cute, firm nod and said in her best pouty tone, "I don't know anything about this matter, please help!" She then shot her puppy eyes at Maira, knowing full well it was her surefire weapon that could never fail against anyone in the Khan family.

Mrs. Khan stared at her daughter-in-law for a moment, her expression softening at the sight of Sheza's genuine vulnerability. After a long pause, she gave in with a small chuckle. "OK, let's see in your closet for clothes first," she said, getting up from her chair.

Sheza's face lit up with joy as she bounced up from her seat, nearly knocking over a vase in her excitement. Maira caught the vase just in time and smiled warmly at her daughter-in-law's energetic enthusiasm.

Both of them walked together down the long hallway, her laughter echoing softly through the house. Maira pushed open the door to Sheza and Saad's bedroom. The room was warm and inviting, with the soft glow of the afternoon sun pouring through the windows. Sheza rushed toward her closet, pulling the doors open with an excited flourish.

Maira smiled fondly as she watched Sheza's enthusiasm. "Let's see what you've got, hmm?" she said as Sheza began pulling out dresses, skirts, and blouses, showing them to Maira with an eager sparkle in her eyes.

"Do you think this one is too much?" Sheza asked, holding up a dress with soft lace detailing and a deep blue hue, her cheeks flushing with uncertainty.

Maira nodded thoughtfully, her expression soft. "It's beautiful, but maybe too formal for a simple evening out. You want to look special, but not overdressed. Let's try something more casual, but still classy."

Sheza immediately put the dress back and began searching through her clothes more carefully. Maira sat on the edge of the bed, watching her, occasionally offering soft comments.

"Ah! What about this one?" Sheza asked, holding up a simple, elegant maroon-cream dress with delicate embroidery at the neckline. It was just the right balance of subtlety and grace.

"That's perfect," Maira replied, her smile widening. "It's light, it's elegant, and most importantly, it looks like you. Now, let's make sure it fits properly."

Sheza giggled with excitement, the tension in her shoulders melting away as Maira helped her pick out accessories. They spent the next few hours choosing the right jewelry—something delicate and understated—and the right shoes that would complement the outfit.

As they finished, Maira stood back and looked at her daughter-in-law, a proud smile on her face. "You're going to look beautiful tonight, Sheza."

"Ammi, thank you so much!!" Sheza squealed loudly, wrapping her arms around Maira's torso tightly. Maira, who wasn't fond of skinship, still allowed Sheza to hug her, knowing the small girl was an exception in her eyes.

"Alright, now come with me to my office, and continue checking the files," Maira said softly, her cat-like eyes meeting Sheza's bright, sparkling ones.

Sheza nodded eagerly and followed Maira toward her office. A few weeks ago, Sheza had been in Maira's office, casually looking through some files when she noticed a few grammatical errors. She pointed them out, and Maira, impressed by her attention to detail, asked her to check more files. Since then, Sheza had been entrusted with the task of checking and correcting mistakes in Maira's documents.

Being a reader and writer, Sheza had a solid understanding of grammar and writing structure, making her the perfect person for the job.

^5:00 Pm^

It's Five o'clock means, Sheza has two hours, She is moderately nervous and relatively excited, as this is her first time, experiencing something like this, Sheza herself doesn't know her feelings, or what she is feeling, She always feels those tingles when she is around him.

Sheza was still in the office, inspecting files, and then Mrs Khan said.

"Go and get ready," the tone was filled with authority and finality.

Sheza nodded hesitantly and proceeded toward their room. She opened the door and went straight to the bathroom, indulging in a refreshing and fragrant bath that calmed her nerves slightly. Afterward, she moved to her dresser, retrieving the outfit that she and Maira had picked earlier. With care, she slipped into the elegant ensemble, feeling nerves brewing within her.

Once dressed, Sheza approached her vanity, gently combing through her hair before tying it into a sleek low bun. She was focused on finishing her look when a soft knock echoed through the room. Curious, she walked to the door and opened it to find Maira standing there, her expression as blank as always but with quiet authority.

"May I help?" Maira asked in her usual calm tone.

Sheza nodded slowly and stepped aside, allowing her in. Maira walked to the vanity with an effortless grace, gesturing for Sheza to sit. Sheza obeyed, perching on the stool while Maira stood behind her, inspecting her features thoughtfully.

With precise and practiced movements, Maira began applying light eye makeup, accentuating Sheza's natural beauty. She created a subtle yet elegant look. She finished by dabbing a soft red tint onto Sheza's lips, enhancing their natural fullness.

Sheza glanced at her reflection in the mirror, her big doe eyes now enhanced with a subtle but striking eyeliner, and her cheeks glowing softly with a natural blush.

"There," Maira said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Simple yet elegant."

Sheza turned her head slightly, observing herself from different angles. "Ammi, you're amazing," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Maira's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, though her tone remained as neutral as ever. "You're not bad yourself, Kitten. It's your time to stun him."

Sheza giggled softly, her nerves momentarily forgotten. She stood up and smoothed her dress, turning toward Maira with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Ammi."

Maira tilted her head, her eyes softening just a fraction. "Just remember, you don't need anything extra. You're already perfect as you are."

Sheza's heart swelled at the rare praise, and she impulsively reached out to hug Maira. The older woman stiffened slightly but didn't pull away, allowing the small moment of affection.

Then, she made her wear a thin diamond chain and bracelet on her neck and wrist.

Sheza slipped into her elegant heels, the soft click echoing in the quiet room. She reached for her small glass bottle of Ittar, dabbing a bit onto her wrists and gently patting some onto her clothes. The delicate, floral scent filled the air, wrapping her in a comforting, modest fragrance.

Now fully ready, Sheza turned toward the door but stopped when her eyes landed on Maira, who stood silently in the corner, her face was soft but a little blank as ever. A warm feeling surged in Sheza's chest as she took in the sight of her stoic mother-in-law who had helped her so much tonight.

Breaking into a wide smile, Sheza skipped toward Maira and wrapped her arms tightly around her torso, surprising the older woman with the sudden burst of affection.

"Thank you, Ammi," Sheza squealed, her voice full of excitement. "I love y-you so much!"

Maira's lips curved into a faint but genuine smile as she placed a hand on Sheza's back, returning the embrace with a gentleness reserved only for this little ball of sunshine. "Ammi also loves you," she replied in her soft, deep tone, her usually blank expression softening ever so slightly.

🍁♡♡🥀

At exactly 7:00 PM, the moment she'd been anticipating (and dreading) all day had arrived. Sheza paced back and forth in her room, her steps quick and nervous, while her teeth nibbled on her nails. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest, a mix of excitement and fear swirling in her mind.

Then came a knock at the door.

Sheza froze mid-step, her stomach doing a flip. Gathering herself, she hurried to open the door. Standing there was Wahaj, his head slightly bowed, his eyes focused on the floor as if he had rehearsed this moment a dozen times.

"Mr. Khan is calling you downstairs. Please follow," Wahaj informed her, his tone as composed as ever.

Sheza nodded, her voice caught in her throat as she prepared to close the door. But just as she was about to, Wahaj added, "He also told you to wear your abaya."

Sheza's heart melted on the spot. Her lips parted slightly in surprise before a broad smile took over her face. "Ok," she said softly, watching as Wahaj gave a brief nod and walked away.

As soon as the door closed, Sheza squealed, "he remembered about the abaya thing!! Awiee so cute," her nervous pacing forgotten as she spun in giddy delight. Saad remembered! He remembered how much she had wished to wear her abaya for a special occasion like this. Her heart fluttered at the thoughtful gesture.

Without wasting a moment, Sheza went to her closet, pulling out her black abaya. She draped it over her delicate outfit, adjusting the loose folds until it fit just right. Looking at herself in the mirror, she smiled shyly, the excitement bubbling up again.

Taking a deep breath, Sheza stepped out of the room, heading downstairs.

Sheza hesitated as she stood at the foot of the staircase, her eyes falling on Saad, who looked like the epitome of authority and power. He sat sprawled on the couch like a king in his domain, one hand gripping his phone tightly, the other resting lazily on his muscular thigh. His broad shoulders and powerful stance exuded a commanding presence, and his expression—a cold, emotionless mask—made her heart skip a beat.

His blank eyes were glued to the phone screen, his brow furrowed in that signature frown he always wore when he was deep in thought—or annoyed. Sheza couldn't help but notice how intense he looked, like a dragon glaring at his enemy, ready to breathe fire at any moment.

Clearing her throat softly to grab his attention, she hoped to break the intimidating aura surrounding him. But Saad didn't budge; he was far too immersed in whatever was on his phone. His expression grew darker with every passing second, the crease between his brows deepening like storm clouds gathering before a thunderstorm.

Just as Sheza debated whether to try again or retreat quietly, his phone rang. The sudden sound broke the heavy silence, and he answered it swiftly, pressing it to his ear. She stood frozen as he spoke, his deep voice calm but laced with an undertone of menace.

"They should not be caught or anything, or else you know the consequences," he stated in a chillingly low tone. His words carried the weight of finality, leaving no room for doubt or error.

He ended the call with a curt hang-up, tossing his phone onto the couch beside him. For a moment, he remained still before throwing his head back against the couch, his eyes shutting briefly as if to release some of the tension.

Sheza swallowed nervously, feeling the urge to retreat but also knowing she couldn't. Gently, she cleared her throat again,

This time, when Saad finally looked at her, he froze. His sharp gaze softened as if he were caught off guard, his expression unreadable. Sheza tilted her head, confused by his sudden stillness.

"Saad?" she called softly, waving a hand in front of his face. But he didn't respond. He just kept staring at her like he'd forgotten how to move or speak.

Internally whining at his unresponsiveness, Sheza took a bold step forward and stood directly in front of him. Her big, curious eyes scanned his face before she lifted a finger and poked his cheekbone gently. "Hello? Earth to Saad?" she teased, her voice carrying a playful lilt.

Saad blinked, snapping out of whatever thought had him so lost. His intense gaze met hers, and for a moment, something warm flickered in his expression. Without a word, he stood up from the couch, towering over her small frame.

Before Sheza could process what was happening, Saad reached out, cupping her cheeks gently in his large, warm hands. His thumbs brushed her skin softly as he leaned down, pressing a delicate, feather-light kiss to her forehead. The gesture was simple, but the tenderness behind it made her breath hitch.

Sheza's face turned crimson, her cheeks burning as a flurry of emotions raced through her. She blinked up at him, wide-eyed and utterly flustered. "W-what was that for?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Saad smirked ever so slightly, the corner of his lips lifting in amusement at her reaction. "You looked too nervous," he murmured, his voice calm and low. "Had to fix that."

Her hands flew up to cover her face as she squeaked, "I wasn't nervous!"

Saad chuckled softly, stepping back and letting his hands drop to his sides, though his eyes lingered on her fondly. "If you say so, Mrs. Khan."

Sheza peeked through her fingers, her lips pouting. "You!"

Saad's smirk deepened, his voice dropping into a husky, commanding tone that sent a shiver down Sheza's spine.

"Close your eyes, darling," he said smoothly, his gaze never leaving her flushed face.

Sheza blinked up at him, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his demeanor. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest, and she instinctively took a small step back. "W-why?" she stammered, her voice a mix of nervousness and curiosity.

His smirk grew as he leaned forward slightly, closing the gap between them. "Trust me," he whispered, his voice soft yet firm. "Just close your eyes."

Sheza hesitated for a moment, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her abaya. But his steady gaze, filled with an unspoken promise, convinced her. Slowly, she let her eyelids flutter shut, her breath hitching as she stood still.

"Now, open your eyes," Saad's deep voice rang gently, pulling Sheza out of her thoughts.

She heard the soft rustle of movement and a faint floral scent wafted through the air. Slowly, she opened her eyes, curiosity lighting them up.

The moment her gaze landed on the sight before her, a delighted and high-pitched squeal escaped her lips. In Saad's hands was a beautifully arranged bouquet of calla lilies, their soft, elegant petals glowing in the dim light.

"Oh my goodness!" Sheza gasped, clasping her hands together as her eyes sparkled with joy. "These are so beautiful, Saad!"

A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I remember you mentioning these were your favorites," he said, his voice soft yet confident as he handed the bouquet to her.

Sheza eagerly took the flowers, cradling them like they were the most precious thing in the world. "You remembered!" she said, looking up at him with wide, adoring eyes.

"Of course, I did," he replied, his tone casual but his gaze warm. "How could I forget?"

Sheza buried her nose in the bouquet, inhaling deeply before grinning up at him. "They're perfect. Thank you so much!"

Her excitement was so infectious that even Saad's usually stoic expression softened, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "I'm glad you like them, darling."

Sheza's heart swelled at the term of endearment, and she clutched the flowers tightly, unable to stop the blush creeping across her cheeks. "Like them? I love them! This is the sweetest thing ever!"

Saad smirked at her enthusiasm. "Well, the night's just beginning. Let's see if I can top that."

Sheza's grin widened as she followed him out, clutching the bouquet close to her chest, her heart fluttering like never before.

Saad smiled gently, his eyes softening as he see her, admiring the bouquet of lilies. Sheza giggled like a child, her cheeks glowing with joy as she cradled the flowers, holding them delicately as if they were made of glass.

"Beautiful flowers for my beautiful Begum," Saad said, his voice rich and velvety.

Sheza's shy smile widened, and she looked down, unable to meet his intense gaze. The warmth of his words made her heart flutter.

Before she could say anything, Saad stepped closer, his hand gently slipping around her waist, pulling her closer. She gasped softly at the sudden proximity, her breath catching when he leaned toward her ear.

In a low, deep whisper that sent shivers down her spine, he said, "Can't wait to see how you doll up for our pretty date."

Sheza's face turned a deeper shade of red, her lips parting slightly in surprise. She clutched the lilies tightly to her chest, trying to steady her racing heart.

"W-wait and see then," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, earning a teasing smirk from Saad.