Zara's POV

The following week goes by smoothly and quickly. Surprisingly, Hamza does not contact me again in any way. I want to think that he won't contact me again, after sending me the parcel and the note, but I know I am not so lucky. I'm relieved that he has not contacted me or sent me something again, but at the same time, I am feeling even more scared than before. It is not like Hamza to stay quiet for long. He must be planning something else, something big.

It is now the first Monday of November. Over a week has passed since the dinner party. Work has been quite busy last week, and I haven't seen Zaid much. I've also been busy with an assignment for university, which I submitted last Friday. Me, Hafsa and Ayesha are currently sitting in the cafeteria at university. It is 1pm, and we have an hour free right now.

I have bought a coffee and a blueberry muffin, as I was feeling slightly hungry. Even though I'm at university right now, I can't stop thinking about what Hamza might be planning next. He sent me the parcel less than two weeks ago, and the note too. That must mean he's out of jail. There is no way that he could have sent that from in prison.

'Babe? What's on your mind? You've been quiet this morning,' Hafsa asks me worriedly.

I shake my head and smile at the girls. "Nothing, I'm just tired. I didn't get enough sleep last night." That's true, I didn't. Because I can't stop feeling afraid.

'Get a good night's sleep tonight, Zara. Lectures start at 10am tomorrow morning, so you can sleep for a bit longer then,' Ayesha says to me with a smile. I haven't told Ayesha about the parcel yet. She knows everything about Hamza, as she is my second closest friend after Hafsa. But I don't want to worry her. I don't even know what Hamza is up to, where he is, or anything. If Hamza sends me anything again, or if he contacts me in any way, I will tell Ayesha. I can trust her with my life. I know that I haven't known her for years like I've known Hafsa, but Ayesha is a lovely girl, and I can fully trust her. I've become close to her as she is my neighbour.

Her brother, Rayyan, knows about the parcel, too. I'm glad he hasn't told anyone about it. That's probably because he doesn't know how dangerous Hamza really is. The same goes for Zaid. He has no idea, but he is adamant on helping me.

********

The rest of the day goes by pretty quickly, thankfully, even though I almost fall asleep in my 5pm lecture. The next day, we finish university at 2pm, so we head to the city centre to do some shopping. I haven't been out with both Hafsa and Ayesha in a while, so I'm happy.

First, we go to a makeup store, of course. We go to MAC, where I buy some new lipsticks, a concealer and a highlighter. I'm very happy now, buying makeup always makes me happy. I love adding to my already huge makeup collection. Hafsa and Ayesha also buy a lipstick each. They also like makeup, but not as much as I do.

Then, we go to Forever 21. We buy some warm dresses and jumpers, as the weather is getting colder. I also buy a pair of red suede ankle boots which have a 4 inch heel. I love the heel of these shoes, and also the colour.

We go to a few more clothing stores, and by the time we are done, we are each holding around six shopping bags each. I love shopping with these girls, they're so much fun. After shopping, we decide to go to the local dessert shop for something sweet. I buy chocolate brownies with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Yum.

All three of us are feeling happy, relaxed and full by the time we are done eating. It is over 6pm now, and Hafsa drops us off at home before heading home herself.

********

It is Wednesday the next day, meaning that I have work. For once, I easily wake up at 7am, shower, and get ready. I change into a beige coloured silk top, and pair it with black straight leg trousers. I slip on my favourite beige heels which I bought just a few weeks ago. I go to my dressing table and apply some light makeup. I then grab my phone and purse, and head downstairs.

I quickly have breakfast with my family before heading out for work. I actually enjoy working at the office, I have become used to it now. I like that it keeps me busy, and at least for a while makes me stop thinking of certain things.

Dad drops me off at the office at 8:50am, before heading off to work himself. I walk into the large building of The Malik Enterprises, feeling relaxed. I smile, remembering my first day at work, and my interview. I was so scared and nervous then, but I have gotten used to this place now. And I quite like it.

'Good morning, Miss Ahmed! You look beautiful, as always! Have a great day! The boss just got here a few minutes ago,' Paula, the receptionist on the ground floor, greets me. She's a lovely lady, who must be in her 40s. She is very kind and caring, towards everyone. I like how she is one of the only people working for this company who is not afraid of Zaid.

"Good morning Paula, thank you! So do you! I hope you're doing well, lovely! Did he? I better make my way up then!" I chuckle, hurrying to the lifts. I take a lift to the 7th floor, and make my way to my cabin just on time.

I slip off my coat and hang it up, before turning on my laptop and desktop computer. Just a few minutes later, my intercom buzzes. I answer it.

"Miss Ahmed, please bring me a coffee." Zaid doesn't seem to be in a good mood today, and he sounds exhausted.

'Sure, I'll go and bring it now.'

I head to the café at the end of the 7th floor, not wanting to go back to the café which is opposite this building, in fear of seeing Hamza again. Yes, he was definitely there that day. I buy Zaid's usual order of coffee and head to his office.

After knocking twice on his large office door, he answers. "Come in." His voice sounds cool and husky, sending a pleasurable feeling down my spine.

I enter his office and walk towards his desk. His desk is covered with documents and papers, all of which are obviously very important. I very carefully place the coffee cup on his desk, away from all the papers. I don't want to make the same mistake again.

Zaid looks up and gives me a small, tired smile. "Thanks, Miss Ahmed."

'You look tired,' I comment.

He nods. "I'm exhausted. I've been up all night, working on the project. How have you been?"

'Fine, thanks. Do you need any help?' I ask him.

"As a matter of fact, I do. There is something you can do for me. Take a seat," he says to me. I hesitantly take a seat opposite him at his desk.

He unfastens his cuffs and rolls his sleeves up above his elbows, revealing his muscular, manly arms. He leans back on his seat and looks over at me.

'There are a list of questions in that green file, which I need to answer. I'd rather you ask me the questions than the magazine company. Ask me the questions and type up my responses.' He points to a file on his desk.

I pick up the file and open it, looking through the papers. I find a paper with an interview schedule on it. I skim through the questions quickly. I snort at one of the questions, catching Zaid's attention. These questions are nothing like I would ever imagine. I would never ask Zaid these questions if it wasn't for work.

He cocks his eyebrow, glancing over at me. "Sorry," I mutter, my cheeks reddening.

Zaid loosens his tie and leans back on his seat. 'What amused you, Miss Ahmed?'

I bite my lip, trying to control my nervous laughter. "Erm, well, you won't be at all impressed with these questions. I mean, they're definitely cheesy. You do know that this interview will be published in the Love and Relationships section of the magazine?"

He nods. 'Yes, I'm aware, Miss Ahmed. I'm sure that I can answer the questions, whatever they are. So shoot.'

I clear my throat. "Well, the first question on the list is, where would you take your partner on a date?" My cheeks redden, and I am unable to look up at him.

'Yes, the readers of this magazine are definitely young teens. I don't know, Miss Ahmed. What would you say? Let's turn this question around, you answer,' he says, looking into my eyes.

I let out a nervous laugh. "I don't think the readers are interested in what my answer is, Mr Malik."

He shakes his head. 'No, honestly. Come on. You answer. I have no idea. It depends on the person.'

I pause for a few seconds, thinking. I don't know, either. I shrug. "I'm not really...interested in a date or anything, with anyone. So I don't know."

'Forget him, but honestly. If the guy you like, asks you out on a date, where would you want to go?' Zaid asks me. He genuinely sounds interested.

I again think for a few seconds before giving him an answer. "Erm..I really wouldn't mind. I guess I would want it to be a surprise, something the guy likes. It wouldn't really matter where we went, as long as I was with that person." I probably sound so stupid after saying this to him. What 'that person' am I talking about? I'm such an idiot.

Zaid looks thoughtful for a few seconds, before looking into my eyes again, making me feel nervous. 'Is that so, Miss Ahmed? What if your date wasn't able to afford to take you somewhere expensive? What if they could only take you out to, say, a small local diner, or for a movies night? Then?'

I laugh. "Then what? I wouldn't care at all. If they truly loved me, nothing else would matter. Especially not something small like money! I would be happy doing anything with them, I would be happy even if we had a small picnic at the local park, or even if we just had an evening of watching Netflix. That's if I did dates, though."

I look away as I see Zaid study my face for a few seconds. Yeah, he probably thinks that I'm so stupid.

Zaid's POV

Zara Ahmed really is something else. Her answer to this question really interests me. I find it beautiful how she wouldn't care where she went on a date if the man truly loved her. She is completely different from the other girls I know. Money is not of any importance to Zara, and I really like this about her. I knew this from before also.

She clears her throat. I look away from her face. 'So, Mr Malik..I'll ask you the next question. It says, what do you look for in a partner?' She glances over at me, giving me a small smile. She's beautiful.

"What am I supposed to say, Miss Ahmed? Clearly, none of the girls I've been with are what I'm looking for in a partner." She chuckles, surprising me.

'If none of them have the qualities you're looking for, then you must know what those qualities are,' she says to me.

I shake my head. "You tell me. What qualities do you look for in a partner?"

She laughs nervously. 'Aren't these questions meant to be for you?' She shifts uncomfortably on her seat.

"I want to know more about you," I tell her truthfully, looking into her eyes.

She chuckles, looking down at the desk. 'I'd say you already know a pretty good amount about me.'

I lean forward, resting my arms on the desk. "I want to know more. So tell me, Miss Ahmed."

She looks away. 'I guess I'll know when I meet the guy. If I meet the guy.'

"But what qualities would your perfect man possess?" I ask, interested.

'Okay. I guess he would have to be caring, kind, loving. Protective of me, but not too protective, you know? Oh, and he must be someone I can completely be myself around. My perfect man would be someone who is a perfect son, a perfect brother and someone who I know would make a perfect husband and father.'

The more I get to know Zara, the more interested I am becoming in her. The more I get to know her, the more I want to know. Again, she has given a beautiful answer. Of course, her perfect guy must be someone she can spend her whole life with. Someone trustworthy and loyal, caring and kind. Just like her.

"Interesting," I comment. Very interesting. What is it about you, Zara? What is it about you that interests me so much?

'You're answering the next question,' she says, glancing at the interview schedule.

"What's the next question?" I ask.

'Do you believe in love at first sight?' Zara asks me, interested.

I smirk. "No. Lust at first sight, maybe. But love at first sight, no."

She notes down my response before moving onto the next question.

"The next question is, are you currently in a relationship?" Zara's cheeks redden. I smirk.

I shake my head. 'No, Miss Ahmed. I'm not.'

She looks up at me in surprise before jotting down my answer. What does she think of me? She must think of me as a playboy, just like everyone else.

"Next question, what do you think is the most important ingredient in a successful relationship?" I smirk as soon as she finishes asking the question.

She blushes deep scarlet. 'Forget that. I don't want to know. Moving on....' She starts, glancing at the interview schedule.

I smirk. "Don't you want my answer, Miss Ahmed?"

'No.'

I laugh loudly. What does she think I'm going to say?! She definitely thinks of me as some sort of playboy, who cares only about the physical aspects of a relationship.

"Trust, Miss Ahmed. Trust and loyalty are the most important ingredients of a successful relationship." I say.

She looks up at me, apologetically. I smirk again, raising an eyebrow. She starts to blush again. Oh, Zara.

Just then, my phone starts to ring from on the desk. I answer it. 'Yes. Okay, keep them informed. I'll send her down.'

I turn off the call and turn to Zara. 'Miss Ahmed, we're going to have to pause this interview for a short while. Go and collect the budget list from the finances department, and bring it to me so I can send off the report.'

She nods, filing away the sheets and standing up. I enjoy working with her a lot. She's fun to be around, and I don't get bored at all with her at the office.

********

Zara's POV

I take the lift up to the finances department on the 10th floor. When I reach the 10th floor, I find out that the main finances office is in the south wing of the company building. It takes me a while to reach the office, as I have to walk loads. I collect the blueprints from the blonde haired young man in the office and make my way back down to Zaid's cabin.

My feet are aching in my heels by the time I'm back in his cabin. I hand him the file containing the blueprints.

'You can take a break now if you wish,' Zaid says to me, looking up from his work.

I nod, thankfully. I need a break, my feet are hurting so badly.

I decide to have an early lunch today, so I head to the cafe at the end of the corridor. I sit in comfortable silence, eating my sandwich and drinking my hot chocolate. I really do enjoy working here, even though it's hard work. It's tiring as hell, but I enjoy working hard for this company.

I take about a 20-minute break before heading back to my office. The rest of the day is busy, too. I don't see Zaid much that afternoon, because I am busy running errands for him. These errands include making appointments, sending emails, photocopying papers, typing pages and pages of notes, and working out some budgets.

By the time it is 5pm, I'm absolutely exhausted. I just want to go home and get straight into bed. Dad is running slightly late, though, so I have to wait fifteen minutes for him to reach. So while I'm waiting for Dad to reach, I spend my time chatting with Amelia about how our day went.

Dad reaches the office at about 5:15pm, and I am so thankful when he reaches. My feet are still aching badly, I just want to reach home and take some rest.

'Long day?' Dad asks, smiling at me.

I nod. "Yeah, work was quite busy today. How was your day at work?" I ask Dad.

'Same as you, dear. Busy. Do you enjoy working at the office?' He asks me, looking at me through the front mirror of his car.

I nod. "Yeah, Dad. I do enjoy it. It's good."

He smiles. 'That's good, dear. I'm glad you enjoy it. How's Zaid?'

"He's fine, he's really busy though of course. I don't know how he does it, how does he handle such a huge company so well?!" I ask Dad, but it sounds more like I'm questioning myself.

Dad chuckles. 'He's a great guy, very responsible and hard-working. I understand what you mean, he has accomplished so much at such a young age, he's only 24. It's all down to his hard work, though.'

I nod. Zaid is the most hard-working, and the most responsible person I know. I'm proud of him for handling such a large company so well. No one would be able to do his job better than him. He's great at it.

********

We reach home twenty minutes later. I'm still exhausted, of course, but I sit with my family for some time. I decide not to take rest right at that moment, because I know I will fall asleep and that way, I won't be able to wake up for dinner.

So, I go to bed after I've had dinner with my family. I change into my pyjamas and head to bed. I fall asleep straight away.

********

Hey, my amazing readers, how are you all? I hope you're doing well! How did you find this chapter? Was it okay? Don't forget to vote and comment! Your comments and votes really mean a lot to me!

So, what did you think of the small interview between Zara and Zaid? The questions were interesting, weren't they?! You get to know our main characters slightly better after reading this chapter! I really hope you enjoyed it, let me know what you thought, my loves!

What do you think will happen next? What do you want to happen next?! I know some of you want Zara and Zaid to get married already, haha! I love you all so so much, your comments really make me smile a lot! Stay amazing, everyone! And stay tuned for the next chapter which will be up very soon! Bye guys! ❤️ xx