Driving aimlessly to the hospital, Barq huffed and puffed his cheeks, the news was heartbreaking. Umayyad had suffered a tragic accident, and her condition was the worst. Barq's heart was restless as he drove to the destination. He hated the smell of the hospital, the shallow corridors, and the white-dressed people who tried their best but mostly ended up saying, "we are sorry." His heart raced as many words ran across his mind. He licked his dry lips, took his coat and phone, and hopped out of the car.

Marching into the corridor, he witnessed a police officer and some more officers. His steps caught their attention, and they halted their words in exchange as he shook hands with the officer. "Hello officer, is everything alright?" he asked with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Mr. Barq, we are sorry to inform you that the doctors couldn't save your friend. He didn't make it. The accident was severe," said the officer, patting his shoulder. Barq was not shocked; he was broken. This place never gave him any good news. His coat slipped from his grasp. The officer helped him take a seat.

"Mr. I understand your concern. We are sorry for your loss. But I highly doubt it was an accident. It was a preplanned murder," the officer said, leaving Barq amused.

His eyes widened. "This is impossible, he was a gem, loved by all. A funny guy, okay he was a bit flirtatious but I don't think he could have any envy with anyone," Barq uttered with pure shock. "We doubt it, Mr. Barq, as we have found some drugs in his car. Those are under investigation, we can't say anything," the officer said, giving a curt nod.

He closed his eyes, shaking his head. "Someone plotted against him, officer!" Barq said, seething in anger now. He was unable to process the details, which were so new to him. He knew his friend was not involved in such things. At least not drugs. Meanwhile, the doctor came out with a report.

All heads and eyes snapped to him, with questions running through their minds. The doctor sighed, holding new information. "He used to smoke, and we have found that he was a drug addict, the report says it all," he said, forwarding the file to the police officer. Barq was processing the newly found information.

"Alright, Mr. Barq, do you doubt anyone?" asked the officer, turning his attention to him. Barq gave a nod in disapproval. "I don't know, officer, this is all new to me," he said in a whisper, which the officer agreed with. Shock was displayed on his face, making it clear that Barq had no connections with Umayyad or this stuff.

"You can leave now, Mr. Barq. I recommend you leave this city until this case is sorted out. I doubt the killer can cause harm to you and your family," the officer said, as he knew Barq had no one but a little daughter who was precious to him like no one else.

Barq, being in a daze, gave a nod. He mentioned some details as the officer asked him to give to be in contact. With a heavy heart, Barq drove to his restaurant. He needed to let his employees know this devastating news.

"My best friend, our partner, Umayyad, is no more," he announced, calling an emergency meeting. Leaving all the board of directors in shock, they discussed nothing but their financial loss.

--

"Amor, what's your choice for lunch?" asked Noya as she was done with all her chores. The other helpers were off today, so she had to manage everything. Being tired, she sat on the couch, exhausted. Amayra was coloring, shifting her gaze to her nanny she asked, "Whatever you cook, I will have, as you are tired. I don't want to bother you," says little Amayra with concern. Noya's head snapped to the little girl, who holds concern for her.

She couldn't help but smile at the sweetheart. "Thank you so much, you do care a lot," she says, pulling her cheeks. Amayra giggles, saying, "I have to, I am a big girl now," she says proudly flipping her ponytail. Noya chuckled but frowned at her messy hair.

She totally forgot to comb Amayra's hair into a ponytail. Pouting, she lifted her in her arms, marching upstairs. "I forgot to dress you up, girl amor. Why didn't you remind me?" she says, frowning.

"I didn't like to disturb you," says Amayra, pouting. Noya raised her eyebrows. "Oh really? Sweetheart, I was not in a world war!" Noya says, placing her on the bed, making her giggle. Noya stiffened at the coldness of his room, which reminds her of him.

Noya composed herself, taking great care to unlock Amayra's wardrobe without any clumsiness. She selected an outfit with a cute picture printed on it and gently led Amayra to the bathroom. After giving her a quick bath, Noya wrapped her in a towel and dried her hair, getting her all ready. Noya sighed in relief as Amayra posed in front of the mirror, asking who was the fairest of them all.

Noya scanned the room, feeling its vibes. She couldn't resist the allure of everything that screamed luxury and value. She sighed at the sight of his opulence. Meanwhile, Amayra's eyes sparkled as she got an idea. "Let's play a game!" she exclaimed, holding Noya's hand and pleading with her. "Okay, what game?" Noya asked, raising her eyebrows in confusion.

"Let's play dress up!" Amayra squealed, making Noya chuckle. Can toddlers sit quietly? Nope, they are much more active when they learn to walk and talk. Noya sighed and gave a nod of approval, making Amayra squeal with delight.

Noya also squealed, as lunch was completely forgotten. They both got dressed multiple times, attempting to walk like models. They had fun. Amayra was enjoying the warmth she could feel radiating from Noya. She felt at home. She felt complete and loved. "Okay, I guess I am out of options for my wardrobe!" Noya says, pouting as they had already tried everything.

Amayra smirked proudly, "Daddy has tons of shirts! Go get one," she says, widening her eyes. "What!? No way! I won't," she says, huffing out her cheeks. Amayra frowned and sat with a big, sad pout, which somehow triggered Noya. She poked her finger to Amayra's cheek. She huffed out her cheeks even more, acting all offended. Noya sighed and gave in to her demands. "Alright, I am going. You kids are so demanding," she says dramatically, making her realize a giggle.

Amayra gave a thumbs up and giggled as Noya disappeared upstairs. Meanwhile, Barq's car entered the driveway. Amayra was aware of his arrival and hurriedly rushed out to him. Running, she hugged his legs. Barq, being in grief, just ruffled her hair. "Daddy, we were playing dress up. And you know..."

Amayra continued her blabbering as they both walked in hand in hand. Barq made her sit on the couch, saying, "I will join you here, okay," making her nod as she dove into her chocolate bar. He sighed and went upstairs to his room. Meanwhile, Noya was buttoning up his shirt.

Meanwhile, she heard someone opening the door as she hadn't locked it. As no one else was present except the two of them, Barq's eyes went to her naked legs. As she turned around, her eyes widened and her breath hitched. Barq was also taken aback. His heart did a flip flop in his chest.

Noya's heart beat loudly. Her hands started shaking now. Barq's eyes were fixed on her. She licked her dry lips, but it seemed like the cat got her tongue. "I can explain this..." she said, stammering.

"Don't!" Before he could say anything, his tongue slipped of his own. Making him question himself mentally. What was he saying and why? As he took steps towards her, her eyes widened even more and she took steps backwards. His eyes focused on her, not liking that he was ogling her naked legs, but he found her simply beautiful with her messy hair and his fabric on her. She looked alluring.

Not able to withstand his intense gaze, Noya couldn't help but punch him on his jaw, causing him to be even more shocked. She gasped at her actions and made a crying face. "I am sorry, I didn't mean it, sir," she said as he turned to her with widened eyes. "You! You are impossible, Miss Noya!" he exclaimed with a hint of annoyance and irritation.

She nervously gulped and quickly left his room, her heart pounding loudly. But can she do anything without clumsiness? Nope. Her shirt got caught on a small nail sticking out from his side table, resulting in it tearing from her back. Her eyes widened like saucers, while he sighed and closed his eyes. Noya is a risk. A lovely risk.

--

Asslamualaikum/ hey 👋
How are you doing? ☺
Do votes comments and follow 🤍
Ramzan Mubaraq ❤