chapter 16

As they stepped back into the car, Amaira's thoughts were still reeling from their sky seeing adventure. The breathtaking views had momentarily lifted her spirits, but the sting of Scar Boss's betrayal still lingered.Scar Boss's demeanor had shifted once again, his expression a mask of indifference. The silence between them was oppressive, and Amaira felt a knot in her stomach.When Scar Boss finally spoke, his words were laced with his usual sarcasm. "You're quiet today," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I'm surprised you're not babbling on about something pointless."Amaira's eyes dropped, and she felt a familiar ache in her chest. She had thought that maybe, just maybe, their time together had created a bond between them. But now, it seemed like she was back to being nothing more than a nuisance in Scar Boss's eyes.Scar Boss, however, misinterpreted Amaira's thoughtful expression, assuming she was still brooding about the betrayal. Seeking to lift her spirits, he commanded, "You may visit your brother whenever you please."but soon added, "However, you are not permitted to go anywhere else. Do you understand?"Amaira's head jerked up, and she met Scar Boss's gaze. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then, a small spark of determination ignited within her."Thank you," Amaira said, her voice soft and measured.Scar Boss's expression didn't change, and Amaira felt no sense of relief or hope. His permission to visit her brother was a small concession, but it didn't erase the hurt and anger she still felt. She was still trapped in this toxic dynamic, and she knew she had to be careful not to let her guard down.***Amaira's visit to the hospital was a somber reminder of her brother's fragile state. She sat beside his bedside, holding his hand and talking to him, even though he lay motionless in a coma.As she spent the day with her brother, Amaira felt a sense of helplessness wash over her. She was trapped in a situation she couldn't control, and her brother's fate hung precariously in the balance.Scar Boss's permission to visit her brother had been a small mercy, but Amaira knew she had to return to him before nightfall. As she made her way back to Scar Boss's mansion, Amaira couldn't shake the feeling that she was trapped.When she arrived at the mansion, Scar Boss was waiting for her in the foyer. His expression was unreadable, but Amaira sensed a hint of tension in his body."Did you have a good time with your brother?" he asked, his voice neutral.Amaira's eyes dropped, and she felt a pang of sadness. "He's still the same," she said quietly.Scar Boss's gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he turned away. "You may go to your room now."Amaira felt a surge of frustration at the dismissal, but she knew better than to argue. She turned and made her way up the stairs, the sound of Scar Boss's footsteps echoing behind her.As she reached her room, Amaira felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was alone, at least for the moment. But as she looked around the luxurious prison that was her room, Amaira knew she couldn't stay hidden away forever. But now the only solace she had were her tears.***As Amaira hurried down the hospital corridor, her arms laden with bags of her brother's fresh clothes and a cup of steaming coffee in one hand, she felt a sense of urgency wash over her. Her brother, Dilip, had been in the hospital for weeks, without her, only her so-called friend looking after him. Amaira was skeptical whether Raya had even watched him over for her. A sense of guilt washed over her when thinking of leaving her brother with the bi***. She was determined to be by his side as much as possible, to support him through the long and difficult recovery process, even though he might not be awake now.Just as she turned a corner, lost in thought, she collided with a tall, imposing figure. Apologetic, she looked up to meet the stranger's gaze. He was a man in his mid-30s, with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. His dark hair was mussed, and a hint of stubble framed his strong jawline. But it was his warm, gentle smile that truly caught her attention.For a fleeting moment, they simply stared at each other, the world around them melting away. Amaira felt an inexplicable jolt, as if time itself had slowed down. The stranger's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his voice low and soothing."Are you okay? I'm so sorry about that. Let me get you another cup of coffee," he offered, his eyes scanning her face with concern.But Amaira was already shaking her head, her mind racing back to her brother's bedside. "No, no, it's fine. I'm in a hurry," she said hastily, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks.The stranger's eyes lingered on hers for a moment, as if searching for something. Then, with a nod, he stepped aside, allowing Amaira to rush past him. As she disappeared around the corner, he stood there, baffled and enchanted, watching the spot where she had vanished.He couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity about the beautiful, harried woman who had just collided with him. Who was she? What was her story? And why did he feel an inexplicable connection to her?Little did he know, their chance encounter would be the start of something much more.