As she entered the library, she glanced around and sighed in relief when she didn’t see Malik. After returning the book to the librarian, she moved to leave the library.

Just then, she saw Malik standing in front of her, and she froze.

“Just listen to me for once, Miss,” he said, trying to convince her.

“What do you want to talk about? I told you last night I’m not interested in anything,” she replied, tugging at the library door to exit.

“I know, I know, but I haven’t told you anything about me. Listen to me, and then you can tell me what’s on your mind. Please, just give me a chance,” he pleaded, holding the door to keep her from leaving.

“Hey! Lovebirds, get out of the way. We have to go!” a man shouted, looking at both of them angrily.

“Let’s go to the garden,” Malik whispered.

She nodded, even though she didn’t want to, but her legs moved without her consent.

“My name is Malik. I’m Zain’s best friend; you must know him. My father died in a car accident 12 years ago, and my mother passed away from a heart attack five years ago. I’m working at Zain’s dad's company because my father and Zain’s father were best friends who started the business together. When my dad died, Uncle Shah offered me a job in his place. I earn enough money to give you a happy life—” Malik was sharing everything when he noticed that she wanted to speak.

“Okay, I get it. Now let me go,” she said, not wanting to hear more.

“I know everything about you. It's okay. I think you're uncomfortable around me, but please give me a chance, Inaya ji. I promise I will make you happy. I love you so much; I don’t know how it happened, but I can’t control it. Please try to understand. If you still don’t feel anything for me, then I will never bother you again. Trust me,” he said, his eyes filled with love and sincerity.

“I’ll never touch you without your permission. I’ll stay away from you—” he began, but she interrupted.

“Please let me go. If my driver sees you here with me, it will be very hard for me to explain to my dad. You have no idea how strict he is,” she insisted, hoping he wouldn’t follow her like he did that night.

“I know everything about your dad and you. If you’re with me, we can convince him,” he said, smiling at her.

She smiled back, trying to find a way out. She dashed outside the library and jumped into her car, her heart pounding in her chest.

Though she felt something tugging at her heart, she tried to convince herself that falling for him would only lead to pain. She knew her father would never approve of him.

Meanwhile, Malik couldn’t stop smiling because Inaya had given him a smile before leaving. Back at the office, he found it hard to concentrate, as Inaya’s face kept making him happy.

“What happened? Why are you smiling like an idiot?” Zain asked, peeking into Malik’s office.

“Nothing,” Malik replied, slipping back into his cold demeanor.

“I can tell something's suspicious. Is it because of a girl?” Zain asked, sitting on the chair in front of Malik’s desk.

“Shut up and let me work,” Malik said, glancing through the files.

“Aren’t you getting a bit annoyed lately?” Zain asked, giving him a pointed look.

“No. Just go print these papers and bring them to me in five minutes,” Malik instructed, placing the documents in front of Zain.

“I’m not your assistant, Mr. Malik. I’m heading to get coffee. Do you want anything?” Zain replied, moving toward the office door.

“No,” Malik answered coldly, and Zain sighed heavily as he left the office.

-----

𝑽𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕.
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉💖