The alarm sounded, eliciting groans from the two individuals who were still drowsy. One arm emerged from beneath a pink duvet, and the alarm was promptly silenced.

As she groaned and stretched her arms, she affectionately smiled at her collection of stuffed animals, gently embracing them. Undoubtedly, she held a deep fondness for them. Although they were soft toys, they served as attentive listeners, never causing harm or passing judgment; they simply remained tranquil and comforting.

Noya clung to her teddy bear as if her life depended on it. It was her absolute favorite, and memories of her traumatic past flooded her mind, causing her to flinch and sit up abruptly. Nora, who was also startled, sat up and reached for her phone. Concerned, she quickly fetched a glass of water and ran her hand soothingly over Noya's back, showing care and affection.

"Did you have that same dream again?" she asked, worried. Noya drank the water and nodded slightly in confirmation.
Nora sighed in resignation and pulled her best friend into a tight hug. "Forget about them, they don't deserve you at all."

Noya took a deep breath and hummed. She was hurt and saddened by the fact that her past continued to haunt her no matter what.
"Let's get ready, or else we'll be late again and have to endure that rude person's face and unpleasant remarks," Noya said, rolling her eyes. Nora giggled dreamily and cupped her own face. "Oh, he's so charming, just thinking about him makes me feel something," Nora said, winking at Noya, who wrinkled her nose in response.

"Ewww Nora, don't talk about such things early in the morning!" Noya said, covering her ears.
"Um, just thinking about him makes me feel shy" Nora said, blushing strangely.

Noya couldn't help but cover her ears in annoyance at her boisterous best friend, who was currently sprawled on the bed, engrossed in a dark romance novel and audibly expressing her enjoyment. She promptly took a bath and prepared for the day, donning a light pink ankle-length dress adorned with floral patterns. She added a denim jacket and wrapped a scarf around her head, exuding a charming and elegant aura. Applying lip gloss, she pouted at her reflection in the mirror. Meanwhile, Nora entered the room, her towel draped around her chest. As they shared an apartment, they also shared a room.

"Oh my god! Today, that brooding guy will surely fall for you," Nora said playfully, winking at Noya. Noya gasped for air.

"Shut up, he's already married! He has a daughter. I don't know why my fate always plays such cruel games with me. It feels like I am the stepchild of my own destiny," Noya said, pouting sadly.

Nora grabbed her fresh set of clothes for the day, chuckling at Noya's comment, and replied, "So what if he's married? We'll get him divorced for you, darling. I'll do anything for you." Noya rolled her eyes and put on her heels.

"Nora, that's not the point. I felt a different kind of connection when he came near me," Noya whispered softly, lost in her thoughts.

Nora quickly rushed towards her friend with a teasing smile and asked, "So, did he come close to you? How close? Did your body collide with his? Tell me!" Noya scrunched her nose in disgust.

"Ew, you're so gross!" Noya screamed, running out of the room.

Nora pouted and muttered, "So what? I'm at the age to have children, not to study. It's bound to happen, right?"

"Come out, you sucker of desire, from your world of lust." Noya as she hailed a cab. It was imperative for her not to be late today.

After a short while, their cab arrived and they departed for their intended destination.

Meanwhile, Amayra, as per her usual routine, woke up early. She glanced at her slumbering father and couldn't help but giggle. Planting a gentle kiss on his cheek, she quietly left the room. Her young mind was occupied with mischievous intentions. As she stepped out of the room, her nanny and the maid were taken aback by the sight of the giggling girl, who swiftly ran off in the opposite direction.

"The princess is certainly up to something," murmured the maid, and she hurriedly followed the girl, who was running faster than both of them.

Before Amayra could step out of the villa's gate into the garden, she was abruptly lifted into the air by two strong arms. She displayed a disapproving expression towards her uncle, whom she holds in high regard as her favorite hero and Umayyad uncle. This imposing figure proceeded to affectionately pinch her cheeks and plant kisses on her plump cheeks. Amayra responded by pouting, clearly expressing her anger.

"Did you miss me, my dear?" he inquired in a playful tone.

"No, why should I tell you how much I missed you? It seems you don't care at all," Amayra whispered, pouting and looking down with a tinge of sadness. Umayyad dramatically gasped and made his way inside the villa. He looked quite dashing in his black jeans, white tee, black jacket, and well-gelled hair. The maid and her nanny blushed at his playful words, giggling they went inside.

Seating her on his right thigh, he sighed and kissed her forehead while embracing her tightly. "I missed you, my love," he said, mirroring her pout. Amayra giggled even more and extended her small hand in front of him. "Did you forget my gift? After not seeing me for so long..."

"Of course not, my child. One cannot forget oneself, especially not you and your talents. After all, you hold a special place in my heart," he whispered in a playful tone. She giggled, her cheeks rosy and plump.

Umayyad winced as his best friend playfully pulled a bunch of his hair, causing him to groan. Upon hearing his sudden groan, Amayra flinched and pouted at her father's playful actions. "Daddy, no! Don't hurt my uncle," she said, holding her father's face in her small hands. Barq's gaze softened as he looked into his daughter's teary eyes. He quickly let go of Umayyad and lifted his daughter into his arms. Amayra began crying loudly, tears streaming down her cheeks, which tugged at Barq's heart. Umayyad also stood up, feeling anxious. The two strong men were sweating, seeing their beloved little girl cry.

"Hush, my love, please stop crying. I'm sorry, I won't hurt your uncle again," he said, holding his ears. Amayra sobbed, her lips trembling. "Promise me, Daddy. He's my favorite uncle," she said, holding Umayyad's hand. Umayyad nervously swallowed, feeling Barq's glare on him.

"Fine, I won't do anything. Now stop crying, my love, and give Daddy a kiss," he said, making cute gestures. She chuckled and kissed his cheek. "Baby, did you see your new chicks?" Barq asked, diverting her attention. She squealed and quickly rushed upstairs, not before blowing a flying kiss to her favorite uncle.

As she ran upstairs, Barq punched his best friend in the stomach, causing him to wince. "What were you trying to do to my daughter? Stay away from my daughter!" Barq said, glaring at him possessively.

"Why are you getting jealous, man? She's my daughter," Umayyad said, wincing in pain.

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard that before. What were you doing here so early in the morning?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Huh, I came to tell you that today's class is first-rate," said Umayyad.

"You could have just called, why did you have to come in person?" said Barq, rolling his eyes.

"Come on, hurry up! We'll be late, and it will affect the students," said Umayyad dramatically.

"Hmm, and don't you dare move from here. I'll be back after getting ready," Barq warned him and went upstairs. Umayyad rolled his eyes at his friend's possessiveness.

Barq rushed upstairs and found his daughter playing with her favorite chicks. He quickly got ready in his formal attire.

Staring disapprovingly at Umayyad for wiping his daughter's lips while feeding her breakfast, Barq discreetly poked a fork into his hand, causing him to wince. Amayra, noticing the tension, pouted and inquired, "What happened, uncle?"

Umayyad, still glaring at Barq, replied, "Nothing, baby, just a big fat bug bothering me." Barq intensified his glare and kicked Umayyad's leg. Having finished his assault on Umayyad for being his daughter's favorite, Barq stood up to leave for the office. He was not surprised to find Amayra preoccupied with her chicks, as she rarely paid him any attention in their presence. Before he could depart, she exclaimed, "Daddy, where did that beautiful lady go? Did she leave last night?" Her curiosity piqued, Umayyad raised his eyebrows teasingly.

Barq rolled his eyes at the mention of her and replied, "She left last night, amor. Take care, I'm leaving." Amayra nodded in response.

Soon, Barq and Umayyad drove to their restaurant. Upon entering, Barq was engrossed in typing something on his phone. Despite his usual handsome appearance, he paid no attention to the young girls who were ogling him.

Meanwhile, Nora and Noya happened to pass by. Noya's gaze immediately fixated on Barq, who was occupied with his phone. However, his presence caused her heart to flutter even more. The scent of his strong cologne left her senses in a daze.
Noya and Nora were diligently perspiring while preparing the dishes assigned to them according to their respective tasks. As part of a team, they were one of the 25 teams and happened to be the last one to present their dish to the three judges. Noya's body tensed up and her eyes widened when she saw Barq tasting a dish prepared by another new recruit.

Meanwhile, Barq was personally inspecting each team, as the third judge had a soft spot for the new recruits and was unwilling to compromise when it came to cooking. He demanded perfection in every aspect. As he approached their station, Nora professionally presented the dish, while Noya anxiously stood by, fidgeting with her hands, waiting for him to say something. She presented herself with confidence, but deep down, she was perspiring and nervous. She knew Barq would hold a grudge against her for the trouble she caused the previous night.

Sensing Noya's tense demeanor, Barq mentally rolled his eyes, thinking, "She's acting as innocent as can be."

"I am innocent, why is he scrutinizing me like this now?" she thought.

''I do not hold grudges against anyone, otherwise I would have revealed their true colours" he thought.

'What do they think of themselves? Just because they are in a position of authority, do they believe they can make decisions about every aspect of my life?' she thought, her expression turning sour as she glared at him even more.
Observing their hostile glances and nods exchanged between them, Nora looked at them with confusion.

Meanwhile, a loud alarm captured their attention. It was a fire alarm. All the recruits began running in various directions. Noya couldn't help but gasp at the massive explosion behind Barq. She swiftly grabbed his arm, causing them both to stumble and fall. The chaos caused by the situation left them trapped in that spot. Barq locked eyes with her, witnessing her panicked expression. Her inquisitive gaze only deepened his frown.

---

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