CONNECTED HEARTS

20: Web of Feelings

Adyan and Afdal sat in a cozy coffee shop, nursing their drinks. Adyan sipped his dark coffee while Afdal enjoyed a steaming mug of cocoa.

"What's the point in being all excited?" Adyan muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Dad's just gonna shove me into the company after graduation. No need to make the ceremony a big deal. It's not worth it."

Afdal chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. "Or maybe, just maybe... they'll get you married to the woman of your dreams." He winked at a passing waitress, who blushed at his signature smile.

Adyan ran his fingers through his tight curls, overdue for a trim. He was completely unaware of the storm waiting for him back in Nigeria especially with his over-the-top sister Laila pulling strings. She's definitely planning something, he thought, shaking his head.

Then Afdal's voice broke through. "Tell me something, Muhammad... do you love her?"

Adyan blinked, caught off guard. He toyed with his cup, thinking carefully. "I don't know, man. I'm still figuring it out. But..." he sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips, "I'm comfortable around her. We just... fit. No unnecessary drama, no fake vibes. Just us."

Afdal gave him a look the kind that cut straight through. "Bro, that's not just comfort. That's love. Look at you smiling, overthinking, getting worked up over little arguments. That's not 'just caring.' That's your heart talking."

Adyan stared at him, the realization landing slowly. "You think?"

"I know," Afdal said with a chuckle. "But you need to tell her. Stop bottling it up."

Adyan's shoulders softened. For the first time, he whispered it out loud. "I think you're right... I do love her."

Afdal clapped him on the shoulder with a grin, and the two stood to leave only to find Sara standing by the entrance.

"Hey, Sara," Adyan greeted cheerfully, still floating from his revelation. She gave a faint smile, waving lightly.

"Hi," Afdal added, but she shot him one of her harmless glares before mumbling a reply. He laughed it off; he was used to her moods.

They headed for the door, but Sara didn't move.

"Hey, pretty, aren't you coming home?" Afdal asked.

"No, don't worry. I'll just have some tea and meet a friend nearby," she lied smoothly.

They both wished her well and left.

⸻

SARA

I sat frozen, lost in thought, until the waitress placed a mug of cocoa in front of me.

"I didn't order this," I snapped, my voice rising louder than I intended. Heads turned. "What's wrong with you people? If you can't get a simple order right, just close the shop! Stop pretending you know what you're doing."

The girl stammered apologies, eyes wide, but I didn't care. I grabbed my purse, my phone, and stormed out, my heels clicking against the tiles.

Once inside my car, I slammed the door and locked it, chest heaving. Tears blurred my vision before I could even stop them. The anger melted into pain, sharp and raw. My heart ached as the thought hit me: I'm losing him.

Hot tears slid down my cheeks as I whispered a vow to myself I wouldn't let anyone steal Adyan from me. Not now. Not ever.

With trembling hands, I dialed Faima. She answered on the first ring, her voice calm, almost amused.

"Girl, what's wrong?"

That was it. The dam broke. I sobbed into the camera, unable to hold anything back. My best friend just sat there, listening like she always did. Her raised brow and tiny smirk, though, stung.

"Are you seriously laughing at me right now?" I snapped between sniffles.

Faima shook her head, her tone half serious, half teasing. "Sara, you're overreacting. Adyan hasn't even done anything, and here you are, plotting to fight off imaginary rivals. Chill."

"You don't get it," I croaked. "I feel like I'm losing him before we even begin."

"I get it," she said gently. "But listen,if you want him, focus on building you two. Not on destroying anyone else. Let him see you. The real you."

Her words cut deeper than my tears. I nodded, wiping my face with the back of my hand. "You're right. I should stop being defensive... and just focus on us."

"That's my girl," Faima said with a smile.

By the time the call ended, the storm in my chest had calmed. I stared at my reflection in the rearview mirror. My eyes were red and puffy, but a small smile curved my lips.

I started the engine, whispering under my breath, "It's not over. He's mine."

But as I pulled out of the parking lot, I couldn't shake the feeling that the real drama hadn't even started yet.

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