43| Utterly, Hoplessly Hers

U T T E R L Y, H O P L E S S L Y H E R S

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Losing himself in the moment, he suddenly raised his voice, the frustration in his chest morphing into barely contained fury.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he roared, his face mere inches from hers.

The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to suffocate. His grip on her remained firm, his entire body taut with a thousand unsaid words. But despite his intimidating posture, Anaabiya didn't waver.

She held her ground.

Humza's grip on Anaabiya's wrist tightened slightly as he stared down at her, his dark eyes flashing with something unreadable.

"Oh, did I strike a nerve?" she sneered, her voice laced with venom, her expression twisted in contempt.

The hatred in her tone was so thick it was almost tangible, cutting through the air between them like a sharpened blade. But she wasn't done. She stepped forward, standing toe-to-toe with him, her chin raised in defiance.

"Well, let me make myself clear, Humza." Her voice was unwavering, each syllable deliberate, sharp as a dagger. "You—are—no—better—than—a—cheap—whore."

Silence.

Humza blinked.

Then, to her surprise, his lips curled into a slow, dangerous smirk.

He was amused.

"You've got some nerve," he murmured, his voice deceptively calm, dangerously quiet.

His thumb absentmindedly brushed over the inside of her wrist, the touch featherlight—almost tender, almost thoughtful. As if he was debating something in his head, caught between two choices, both of which could destroy them in very different ways.

Anaabiya, however, refused to acknowledge the subtle shift in his demeanor. Her rage was blinding, her heart hammering in her chest, but her voice remained steady, cold.

"And you've got no shame," she shot back, her tone cutting, her eyes burning with unmasked fury.

For a moment, they simply stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills, the air between them thick with a tension that neither of them seemed willing to break.

Humza's grip on Anaabiya's wrist tightened just slightly, his fingers pressing into her delicate skin as he leaned in, his breath ghosting over her face. His voice dropped to a low, menacing whisper, the weight of his words thick with unspoken threats.

"Do you even know who you're talking to?" he asked, his tone dangerously quiet, as though daring her to push him further. "I could end you with a mere snap of my fingers."

His expression was cold, his dark eyes unreadable, but beneath the carefully crafted mask of fury, he wasn't sure if he was more enraged at her defiance or at himself for the way she made his control slip so effortlessly.

Anaabiya shuddered, and for a fleeting second, he thought he had finally broken her spirit. That she would surrender, retreat. But he should have known better.

This was Anaabiya. She was fire wrapped in fragile flesh, and she did not bend easily.

"Then why don't you?" she challenged, her voice cracking ever so slightly, betraying the emotions she tried so hard to suppress. "Why don't you just let me go?"

As if that was ever going to happen.

He wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the question, at the idea of letting her slip away when she was the only thing anchoring him to a reality he could barely grasp anymore.

Instead, his lips curled into a smirk, and he let out a soft, mocking murmur.

"Oh, habibti," he taunted, his tone laced with dark amusement, "if only it were that simple."

Anaabiya's nostrils flared as she glared at him, her fists clenching at her sides. She had endured enough. Her patience was gone, her tolerance burned to ashes. And so, she threw the one question at him that she knew would strike a nerve, that would chip away at whatever armor he had left.

"Don't you fear Allah?"

The moment the words left her mouth, she felt his entire body stiffen.

Humza's expression darkened in an instant, the smirk vanishing like smoke in the wind. A storm gathered in his gaze, violent and unrelenting.

This topic was untouchable to him.

His jaw clenched, and she knew she had hit a nerve. The air between them grew thick, charged with unspoken emotions, as his temper rose like a tidal wave threatening to crash.

Humza's jaw tensed as his grip on her tightened, his patience wearing dangerously thin. His voice was laced with ice, sharp enough to wound.

"Save your preaching for someone who gives a damn," he spat coldly, his dark eyes burning with something indecipherable. "I don't need a lecture on faith from you. Mind your own business!" He sneered, his lips curling in frustration.

Anaabiya's expression hardened instantly, her own fury flaring to life as she pushed against his chest, trying to shove him away. But her efforts were useless—he didn't budge.

"My business?" she shot back, her voice sharp, dripping with bitterness. "Well, guess what, mister? You are my business! Or have you conveniently forgotten that you are the one who forced me into this marriage?"

She glared at him, defiance burning in her gaze. The mockery in her tone sliced through him, but he refused to let it show.

His grip only tightened further, pulling her flush against him. His next words were laced with quiet menace, spoken low enough for only her to hear.

"You should be grateful that I don't take everything I want by force," he bit out, his voice like a blade, sharp enough to cut through her defenses.

The moment the words left his lips, regret clawed at his chest, but it was too late.

He saw the flicker of pain in her eyes, saw the way her lips parted slightly as if she had been struck. Tears pooled in her vision, threatening to spill, but she held them back.

But the damage had already been done.

Anaabiya's hands trembled at her sides, but her voice remained steady, stronger than she felt inside.

"Why?" she demanded, eyes locked onto his with unyielding defiance. "Are those other women not enough to satisfy you?"

She lifted a hand and pointed past him, and it was only then that Humza remembered Sarah was still there. He had almost forgotten about her presence entirely.

His expression darkened instantly.

"Enough!" he roared, his voice echoing through the walls.

Turning sharply, he sent a seething glare toward Sarah. "Get the fuck out," he snarled.

Sarah, who had been standing there awkwardly, watching the tense exchange, paled at his outburst. Without a second thought, she snatched up her things and scurried away, disappearing down the hallway as quickly as her legs could carry her.

As soon as she was gone, Anaabiya yanked at her arm, struggling to break free from his grasp.

"Let me go!" she screamed, her voice cracking with desperation. "Leave my hand, Humza!"

Her whimper sent a jolt through his chest, but he ignored it. He had to.

She twisted against his hold, trying to pry herself free, but he refused to let go.

"Stop being so pathetic," he snapped, his voice laced with venom, each word meant to wound. "For God's sake, stop clinging to me like some desperate, lovesick fool. Don't you get it? I hate you! I fucking hate you!"

The words were a death sentence, a blade to her heart. He saw it in the way her body stilled, the way her face crumpled in raw pain.

He had succeeded. He had broken her.

And yet, in that very moment, as he watched her shatter before his eyes, he felt his own soul splinter along with hers.

This was his punishment.

This was how Allah had chosen to make him suffer—by taking away the only reason he had left to live.

Anaabiya's voice cracked, barely above a whisper. "Why?" Her broken gaze searched his, pleading for an answer. "Why are you doing this to me, Humza?"

But he didn't answer. He just stared at her, his expression void of emotion. Not because he didn't care—but because he didn't know how to respond anymore.

Why was he doing this?

To save her from a bigger heartbreak?

To save himself from losing her forever?

Because if she knew the truth, she would leave. And this way—even if it was hatred she felt for him—she would stay. At least he'd still get to see her when he wanted. At least he could protect her from any harm that might come her way.

His silence only made her tremble more. With unsteady hands, she clutched his collar and yanked him closer, her vision completely blurred by the tears she had fought so hard to hold back.

"You call me clingy?" she choked out, her voice breaking under the weight of her pain. "You think this is desperation? I loved you, Humza! I loved you with everything I had, and you—" her voice wavered as she sucked in a shaky breath, her grip tightening around his shirt, "you destroyed me."

Remorse coursed through Humza's veins, thick and suffocating, as if someone had wrapped an iron chain around his chest and was slowly tightening it. He wanted to take back everything he had said, every cruel word, every calculated action meant to push her away. But he couldn't. He had gone too far—far beyond redemption. His entire body felt cold, his mind a chaotic battlefield, torn between letting her hate him and the unbearable thought of losing her forever.

"I've had enough, Humza," Anaabiya choked out, her voice shaking yet firm. "Enough."

Her words hit him like a blow, knocking the air from his lungs. No. She wasn't supposed to say that. She wasn't supposed to give up. His heart pounded violently against his ribs, his throat tightening as he watched her pull herself together, despite the devastation in her eyes.

"I can't do this anymore. I won't do this anymore."

His fingers twitched involuntarily, panic creeping into his bones like a slow-acting poison. She wasn't just angry. She wasn't just hurt. She was done. The realization made his stomach twist painfully.

"I'm leaving," she declared, her voice laced with finality. "Right now. You can go ahead and enjoy with whoever you want to—I don't care. This contract? Consider it over."

She turned away, and Humza's heart stopped. The world around him blurred, a sharp ringing filling his ears as his grip tightened around her arm with a desperation he couldn't contain.

No.

She couldn't leave.

His pulse roared in his ears, his breathing turned ragged. The idea of her walking away—out of his reach, out of his life—was unbearable. A cold sweat broke out on the back of his neck, his entire body locking up in sheer terror.

He could handle her anger, endure her hatred. But he could not survive her absence.

"You can't leave," Humza's voice was low, almost unsteady. There was no malice this time, no arrogance—just raw desperation he was trying hard to mask. "You're not leaving this house."

To hell with the hatred. He had pushed her past her limits, and now she planned to leave him. The very idea sent his mind spiraling into panic. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. He had convinced himself that he could push her away, make her despise him—but he had never truly considered that she would walk away for good.

Anaabiya's brows furrowed in confusion, searching his face with cautious disbelief. "Why?" she whispered. "Why do you care?"

Humza didn't answer. He couldn't answer. Dread coiled around his heart like a suffocating grip, each beat growing heavier, more painful. The mere thought of not being able to see her again, of not having her presence in his life, made it difficult to breathe.

"I'm leaving, Humza. You can't keep me here, and you can't keep torturing me like this. I'm done. I'll go far away—so far that you'll never have to see me again."

Her voice wavered, but the conviction in her words was clear. Humza felt as if something sharp had been driven straight into his chest. A slow, merciless agony spread through him, his mind struggling to register her words. Far away. Never have to see me again.

It was as if someone was ripping his heart from his body. The pain was unbearable. His grip on reality wavered, his thoughts blurring into chaos. For the first time in his life, Humza couldn't think properly. He couldn't plan, couldn't manipulate, couldn't even form a proper response.

Because this—this was his worst nightmare unraveling before his very eyes.

"I. Said. You. Can't. Leave. Me."

The words left Humza's mouth in a deep, guttural growl, but there was no anger laced in them. No arrogance. Just fear. A raw, unfiltered desperation that clawed at his chest.

Anaabiya's brows furrowed, confusion swirling in her mind. "Why does it matter?" she whispered, searching his face. "Why do I matter?"

Humza let out another growl, this time in an attempt to intimidate her, to mask the sheer panic coursing through his veins. But his nerves betrayed him, and he knew she could sense it. He wasn't as composed as he pretended to be.

She twisted her wrist in his grip, managing to break free. He could see the hesitation in her movements—she was no longer crying, no longer blinded by her emotions. Instead, she was determined, resolute.

She turned to leave.

Humza couldn't let that happen.

Before she could take another step, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her from behind. His grip was firm, almost desperate, as he locked his arms around her stomach. The fear of losing her was suffocating, an unbearable weight pressing down on his chest.

He choked back a sob as he buried his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent, hoping—praying—that it would somehow calm the storm raging inside him. But it didn't.

Because nothing could ease the terror of this moment.

She shifted, trying to move out of his hold, but he only tightened his grip, as if letting go meant losing her forever. His heart pounded furiously against his ribs, each beat a painful reminder of how close he was to losing the one thing he couldn't bear to live without.

And when he couldn't take it anymore—when the weight of it all became too much—he let his guard fall.

"Let me go," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Humza's grip only tightened. His face remained buried in the crook of her neck, his warm, ragged breaths ghosting over her skin. His hold on her was desperate, unyielding, as if the mere thought of letting her go was too much to bear.

"I can't." His voice cracked. "I won't."

Anaabiya stilled at his words, the vulnerability in them striking a chord deep within her.

"Don't..." he whispered.

"Please..." His voice broke this time. It wasn't a demand. It wasn't a command. It was pleading. A desperate, shattered plea that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Why?"

Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper, but to Humza, it felt like a thunderclap. His entire body tensed as she slowly turned to face him, her gaze locking onto his.

And then she saw them.

The tears he had fought so hard to hold back.

Humza wasn't even aware they had welled up in his eyes until he noticed the way her breath hitched, the way her expression flickered between confusion and shock. A lump formed in his throat, thick and suffocating. He clenched his jaw, willing himself to pull himself together, to stop being so weak.

But it was useless.

He wasn't supposed to cry. Not in front of her. Not in front of anyone. He was—the man who never lost control, the man who always dictated the terms. Yet here he was, exposed and vulnerable, his emotions betraying him in the worst way possible.

Because she had said she was leaving.

Because she meant it.

Because for the first time in his life, he was truly afraid.

And no amount of power, no amount of arrogance, could save him from this.

"I don't know," Humza had said, his voice hollow, empty.

But what could he possibly tell her? That he had been going insane over her? That every moment without her felt like agony? That he was madly in love with her?

No.

Because none of it would matter. Because her eyes, filled with betrayal and hatred wouldn't break him as he knew he wasn't cheating on her—but if she ever hated him for the real truth, if she ever found out about what he had actually done... that was the kind of hatred he would deserve but it would also be the kind that would break him.

"Great. Just great!" She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. The sound sliced through him, sharper than any blade.

She turned away, her back to him.

Panic surged through his veins like wildfire. No. No, she can't leave.

Before she could take another step, he grabbed her wrist again, desperation clawing at his insides. "Please don't leave," he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't know?" she shouted, spinning back to face him. "After everything you've done to me, after pushing me away over and over again, you don't know?"

Humza said nothing. What could he say? He had no defense, no justification. She was right—he had pushed her away time and time again. He had hurt her. He had given her every reason to leave.

And yet, he was selfish enough to stop her.

Even if it meant breaking every rule he had set for himself. Even if it meant confessing the one truth he had tried so hard to bury.

Because if she left, he would never recover from it.

Anaabiya turned sharply, her resolve firm, ready to walk away. Ready to never look back.

But his grip tightened around her wrist once more, pulling her back before she could take another step.

"Please don't leave." His voice was quieter this time, but the desperation in it was unmistakable.

Anaabiya clenched her jaw, yanking her hand in an attempt to free herself, but his grip remained firm. Fury swelled within her chest, burning through the remnants of the love she once held for him.

"Why should I stay, Humza? Give me one good reason."

He said nothing. He couldn't.

"Do you even hear yourself?" she snapped, her voice trembling with frustration. "You say you hate me. You treat me like I mean nothing. You act like I don't exist unless it's convenient for you. And now, suddenly, you want me to stay?"

Humza simply stood there, his gaze locked onto hers, his silence stretching unbearably between them.

His lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something, but no words came.

"You know what, Humza?" Anaabiya's voice trembled with barely contained rage, her breaths coming out in ragged gasps. "By the time you finally figure out whatever this is, I'll be gone. And I won't come back."

Humza had never feared anything as much as he feared this moment.

"You confuse me so much," she spat, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. "One second, you push me away like I'm nothing, and the next, you won't let me leave. You betrayed me, Humza. You cheated on me. Do you have any idea what that feels like?"

Her eyes burned with unshed tears as she took a step closer, her anger drowning out the ache in her chest.

"Maybe I should show you. Maybe I should make you feel the same gut-wrenching pain—make you watch me walk away into someone else's arms. Would you like that, Humza? Would you finally—"

Dread filled his heart, gripping him with a force so strong it made it hard to breathe. The mere thought of Anaabiya with someone else, of her slipping away from him forever, sent a wave of sheer panic through his veins. He couldn't let it happen.

And so, before he could stop himself, before fear could silence him again—he finally decided to confess.

"I love you."

Humza's voice cut through the air like a blade, sharp and undeniable. His own heartbeat pounded in his ears, so loud it nearly drowned out everything else.

The words froze Anaabiya in place, her breath hitching as if the very ground beneath her had shifted.

"You what?" she whispered, staring at him as if he had just spoken a foreign language, as if the words couldn't possibly have come from his lips.

But this time, Humza didn't hesitate. His jaw clenched, his entire body tense with unspoken emotions, but his eyes—his eyes were raw, unguarded, stripped of all the walls he had so carefully built.

"I said I love you." His voice was steady now as he took a step closer, closing the space between them. Gently, he cupped her face in his hands, his touch warm, firm, desperate. She didn't move, didn't even breathe, as his thumb brushed over her lips in a soft, lingering caress.

Anaabiya's breath was uneven, her chest rising and falling as she stared at him with wary, tear-filled eyes. She let out a hollow laugh, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Is this one of your games again, Humza?" Her voice was jagged, raw with pain. A lone tear slipped down her cheek, betraying the emotions she fought so hard to contain.

Humza's heart twisted at the sight. He reached out instinctively, wiping the tear away with his thumb, his touch gentle, almost reverent. "No," he said urgently, his voice filled with desperation. "I really do love you. Anaabiya, please believe me."

She didn't respond, only continued staring at him, searching his face for something—truth, sincerity, anything that could make sense of the chaos he had thrown her into.

Without thinking, Humza leaned in closer, his breath mingling with hers, his gaze dropping to her lips. He wanted to kiss her—to erase the pain he had caused, to make her understand that every word he spoke was real. But just as their lips were about to meet, Anaabiya's hand shot up between them, pressing firmly against his mouth, stopping him in his tracks.

A bitter scoff escaped her lips as she pushed him away. "Don't," she spat, her voice trembling with anger. "I'm not some plaything you can toss aside and then suddenly decide you want back. I'm not one of your flings, Humza. I'm your wife. And you—" her voice cracked, but she forced herself to continue, "you cheated on me."

Her words struck him harder than any blow ever could, leaving him standing there, speechless, as she took a step back, putting a distance between them that felt impossible to bridge.

Humza felt his pulse quicken as desperation clawed at his chest. He needed her to believe him—needed her to understand that what she saw wasn't real.

"I didn't cheat on you, I swear," he blurted out, his words rushed, frantic. "You can ask Huzaifa—I was with him the entire time. I was just... I was trying to make you jealous."

Anaabiya's scowl deepened, her hands curling into fists at her sides as disbelief flashed across her face. "So let me get this straight," she said, her voice dangerously low. "You hurt me—on purpose? You made me feel worthless, humiliated me, and shattered everything I ever felt for you... just for fun?"

Before he could respond, she shoved him hard against his chest, causing him to stumble back a step. The fire in her eyes was unlike anything he had ever seen before. It wasn't just anger. It was agony. Betrayal. A depth of pain so raw it made his stomach twist.

"Yes," he admitted, though the word felt like poison on his tongue.

Her expression contorted with rage. "But why, Humza? Why would you do that to me?" she shouted, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.

Humza opened his mouth, but the words refused to come. How could he explain what he himself couldn't fully understand? How could he tell her that he had been a coward? That he had loved her so much it terrified him? That he had pushed her away because he was convinced he didn't deserve her?

"I'll tell you when the time is right," he said instead, his voice quieter now. "Please, Anaabiya... just trust me. Give me some time to figure things out."

He reached for her, placing his hands on her shoulders, trying to ground her—trying to keep her from slipping away completely.

But she let out a hollow, bitter laugh, the sound sharp enough to cut through him.

"You expect me to trust you after everything?" she scoffed, her lips trembling. "You tore me apart, Humza. You made me feel like nothing. And now, you don't even have the decency to tell me why?"

Her hands flew up, shoving his arms away.

"Well, guess what?" she hissed, her voice thick with fury. "Go to hell."

And with that, she turned her back on him, leaving him standing there, drowning in the weight of his own mistakes.

Humza felt his heart hammering against his chest, his desperation reaching new heights. He could see the determination in Anaabiya's eyes, the way she was steeling herself to walk away, and it terrified him.

"I... I will make it up to you," he stammered, his voice unsteady. "Just stay."

He would do anything to make her stay. Anything.

She didn't answer right away, and the silence was unbearable. He searched her face for any hint of hesitation, any sign that she was reconsidering, but she remained unreadable. Then finally—

"I'll think about it," she said flatly, her tone giving nothing away.

The uncertainty in her words wasn't enough. He needed something more—some kind of reassurance that she wouldn't just disappear from his life. His mind raced, grasping for anything that could make her stay.

"Then... let me kiss you," he blurted out, as if that could somehow fix the damage between them. As if a single kiss could erase the pain he had caused her. If only it were that easy.

Anaabiya's eyes widened, and she instantly took a step back. "Are you insane?" she snapped. "You are crazy and a complete pervert. That is not happening."

Panic surged through Humza as he watched her retreat. She was slipping away—again.

"Well, it was possible yesterday," he argued, his voice growing urgent. "And it will still be possible today, and every day after that."

She rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed, and turned away from him, determined to put distance between them.

But Humza wasn't ready to let her go. Not yet. Not ever.

Before she could take another step, he dropped to his knees, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist as he pressed his forehead against her stomach.

Anaabiya gasped, caught off guard. "What the hell are you doing?!" she panicked, trying to step back, but his grip tightened.

"Please don't leave me," he pleaded, his voice breaking. "Please, Anaabiya, just give me a chance to prove myself to you."

She froze at the raw desperation in his tone, her hands hovering uncertainly in the air. She had never seen him like this before—so vulnerable, so utterly lost.

She exhaled sharply, as if debating something in her head, before finally saying, "Get up."

Humza hesitated, his grip still firm.

"If you get up, I'll think about it," she added, her voice softer this time.

He didn't need to hear anything else. Without a second thought, he shot up to his feet, standing before her like an eager soldier waiting for orders.

Anaabiya looked at him, her expression unreadable. And for the first time in a long time, Humza felt something close to hope.

Anaabiya turned on her heel and started walking toward her room without another word, her pace quick and determined. Humza, however, trailed behind her like a lost puppy, unwilling to let her out of his sight.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity—and a bit of anxiety.

"To my room," she answered simply, not bothering to look back.

Humza smirked, undeterred by her dismissive tone. "Fine, then. I'll sleep with you tonight."

It wasn't a question. It was a declaration. He knew if he gave her the choice, she would never agree.

Anaabiya let out a short, incredulous laugh, finally turning to face him. "In your dreams, Humza."

"But I want to kiss you," he admitted shamelessly, taking a step closer. "Anaabiya, we can discuss everything later. Just let me make you forget every pain tonight." His voice was soft yet insistent as he reached for her elbow.

She immediately jerked away, her expression hardening. "You're unbelievable," she scoffed, shaking her head as she pushed open the door to her room. Without another word, she stepped inside.

Humza tried to follow, but before he could step in, she placed her hands firmly on his chest and pushed him back. "You aren't allowed here," she stated, standing her ground.

He frowned, peering down at her hands pressed against him. She wasn't as angry anymore—he could sense it. Her resistance wasn't as strong as before, and for some reason, that gave him hope.

"This is my house. I can go wherever I want," Humza groaned in frustration, crossing his arms as he glared at Anaabiya.

She cocked an eyebrow at him, unimpressed. "Oh, really?" she taunted, her lips curling into a smirk. "Then I guess I'll just leave this house altogether."

With that, she turned on her heel, making her way toward the door.

Panic surged through Humza's veins as he quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her way. His heart pounded against his ribs. She was taking advantage of his weakness, and she knew it.

"Let me go, Humza," she demanded, her voice calm but firm.

His hands clenched at his sides as he let out a nervous breath. "What do you want me to do, huh?" he asked, his voice laced with desperation.

Anaabiya tilted her head, pretending to think about it, savoring the way the tables had turned. Then, after a moment, she smirked—a devilish smirk that made Humza's stomach twist.

"Prove it," she said simply. "Prove to me that you love me."

Humza stiffened. His throat went dry. He had expected her to ask for something easier, something less terrifying. But there was no way out of this.

She was testing him. And he had no choice but to comply.

"Fine," he exhaled, determination settling in his chest. "I'll do it."

Anaabiya hummed in approval, satisfied. "Good," she said, turning back to her room. "Now, bye."

She began to shut the door in his face, but Humza was faster, placing his palm against the wood to stop it from closing completely.

"So you won't leave me?" he asked, his voice softer this time, vulnerable. His lips twitched slightly, betraying the relief he felt.

Anaabiya sighed, rolling her eyes. "No, I'm not leaving... for now," she muttered.

A weight lifted off Humza's chest, and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His gaze softened, sincerity dripping from his next words.

"Thank you," he murmured.

Anaabiya stared at him for a second longer before finally shutting the door—this time, without stopping him. "Good night!" She said but didn't wait to hear his reply.

Humza sighed, staring at the closed door for a moment before a small smile tugged at his lips. She might not have forgiven him yet, but at least she was still here. And as long as she was, he wasn't giving up.

Humza stood outside her door, running a hand down his face as he tried to make sense of everything. How had things changed so quickly? Just hours ago, he had been doing everything in his power to make her hate him—to push her away. And now, here he was, desperately trying to make her believe in his love.

And damn it—he hadn't even gotten a kiss out of it.

He groaned inwardly, shaking his head as he turned to leave. But before he could take a step, her door swung open with force, making his heart lurch.

His eyes flickered to hers, and suddenly, hope sparked in his chest. Was she coming back to let him kiss her? A slow, wicked smirk spread across his lips at the thought.

But Anaabiya had other plans.

"What was it that you said when I told you I was leaving?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Humza's smirk faltered as he stared at her in confusion. "Uh... Stay?" he answered hesitantly, his voice almost questioning.

"No, no," she mused, crossing her arms over her chest. "After that."

Realization dawned on him, and his lips curled into a knowing smile. She wanted to hear it again.

"I love you," he said smoothly, watching as her eyes lit up with a spark he hadn't seen in a long time.

Her lips parted slightly, and a small, delighted gasp escaped her. "What?" she whispered, pretending she hadn't heard him. "Say it again."

He chuckled, stepping closer. "I love you, Anaabiya." His voice was warm, filled with sincerity.

She beamed at him, her smile radiant. His heart skipped a beat at the sight—maybe, just maybe, he was finally breaking through to her.

"So... do you believe me now?" he asked, hope flickering in his eyes as he leaned in ever so slightly, already imagining how her lips would feel against his.

Anaabiya hummed in thought, tapping her chin as if she were seriously considering it. Humza watched her intently, anticipation making him lick his lower lip.

Then, just when he thought he had won, she smirked.

"N. O. No." She sniggered before swiftly slamming the door in his face.

Humza blinked, stunned for a moment, before groaning in frustration. "Unbelievable," he muttered, raking a hand through his hair. But despite his exasperation, he couldn't stop the small, amused smile that tugged at his lips.

This woman—his woman—was a maddening contradiction of strength and fragility, fire and tenderness. She was the storm that wrecked his world and the calm that soothed his soul. And God help him, he was utterly, hopelessly hers.

E D I T E D on 10.3.2025