His Second Wife

Did he just smile?

Barq was unable to think clearly, bewildered by the recent events. As they both landed on the ground, they were startled by another explosion behind them. Noya, trembling with fear, quickly covered her ears as she was terrified of fire and explosions. Barq's eyes widened as he witnessed his restaurant being reduced to ashes. He had worked tirelessly for this establishment, but he realized that his priority now was the safety of his people, his team, and his recruits. He could rebuild his restaurant, but the guilt of anyone losing their life in this accident would be unbearable. He couldn't live with such guilt for the rest of his life. Lost in these thoughts, he felt sharp nails digging into his skin. He turned his attention to Nora, who was crying and gripping his arm in distress. Her tear-filled eyes conveyed her pain and fear, not her fault, but rather her fear of fire triggering her current state.

"Hey, nothing will happen, okay? Do you trust me?" he asked, helping her to stand up. They were surrounded by nothing but fire. He could hear his team calling out to him, but he chose to provide reassurance to Nora instead of responding to his team.

Sniffling, Nora wiped away her tears with the back of her palm. Her eyes grew heavier as she saw the flames of fire once again. Meanwhile, Barq searched for something to cover themselves and facilitate their rescue. He hurriedly unlocked the cabinets, while his team managed to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers. "Sir, are you alright?" one of his employees asked.

"I am fine. Rescue that girl," he replied, turning around to see Noya, only to find her collapsed on the floor. He quickly rushed towards her and carried her in his arms. He too was rescued, and he hurriedly ran towards the ambulance van. Placing her on an empty stretcher, he called out for a doctor, explaining that she had suddenly fainted due to the ordeal. He was out of breath from the long run.

"Please calm down, sir. You need a check-up," his personal assistant advised. Barq shook his head, looking around anxiously. "How can I get myself treated when the lives of my people are at risk? Is anyone else inside?" he inquired. His assistant shook her head, "No, sir. Everyone has been rescued. Some have minor injuries. Only you and the lady remain. Umayyad sir sustained a minor injury," she informed. Barq hissed and asked, "Where is he?"

"He is in the parking area, sir," the assistant replied. Barq took a few steps and turned around to catch a glimpse of Noya, who was still unconscious. He blinked at her, his heart pounding loudly. Meanwhile, he heard Umayyad's voice. He snapped his head to see Umayyad running towards him and embraced him tightly. "You scared me to death!" Umayyad exclaimed, breathing heavily.

"Are you okay?" Barq asked, patting his shoulder.

"Yes, and you? Are you alright, my brother? I hope nothing happened to you," Umayyad asked with concern. He was not just his best friend, but more than that.
Soon, all the recruits who had sustained minor injuries were provided with medical treatment and subsequently returned to their respective residences. However, Nora and Noya were exceptions to this, as Noya had been admitted to the hospital and Nora remained by her side, anxiously awaiting her best friend's recovery. As she sat there, Nora fervently prayed for Noya's well-being. Meanwhile, Barq and Umayyad decided to inquire about Noya's health, as Barq genuinely cared for each of his employees.

Nora sensed the approach of the two robust men and stood up, feeling their gaze upon her. One of them was an acquaintance, while the other was Barq, whom she did not know well. "Hello, this is your boss. I hope your partner is safe and unharmed," Barq said in a professional manner.

Nora mouthed an "oh" and extended her hand for a handshake, to which Barq responded politely. "Hello, sir. Yes, she is safe, but she has not yet regained consciousness," Nora replied, aware of Umayyad's scrutinizing gaze. She managed to ignore his stare. Barq, too, noticed how Umayyad was ogling Nora and how she blushed when he smiled at her. He inwardly rolled his eyes when the doctor emerged from Noya's room. "Sir, she has regained consciousness," the doctor announced. Nora was the first to rush into the room and embrace Noya tightly, causing her to gasp for air. Barq and Umayyad followed suit.
Barq, feeling relieved upon seeing her safe and sound, discreetly placed his hands in his pockets and observed her intently without blinking. Umayyad gasped dramatically and nudged his friends, causing Nora to chuckle and shyly look down. Noya stared at them with a bewildered expression. Barq glared at Umayyad for his playful behavior and asked, "Why are you staring at her?" Umayyad whispered back to him with excitement, resembling that of a teenage girl. Barq rolled his eyes and replied, "Noya, sir, was asking about you," gaining everyone's attention. Noya sat up straight upon hearing Nora's words. Barq stood there feeling uneasy and cleared his throat to regain everyone's attention.

"How are you feeling now? Are there any serious injuries?" He asked with a stoic expression. Upon hearing his words, her heart began to beat in a different rhythm. Noya frowned at his lack of emotion, thinking to herself, "What kind of person is he? Can't he show some concern? After all, I survived a life-threatening attack!" Nora pinched her arm, causing her to hiss in pain. She rubbed her arm and returned to reality, nodding in response to his words, and whispered, "I'm fine, sir." Barq gave a curt nod and said, "Great, I think we should leave now. Take some rest, Miss...?" He raised an eyebrow, waiting for her response.

"Noya," she replied. "Okay then, Miss Noya, take some rest," Barq said in a professional tone and turned to leave. Meanwhile, Umayyad winked at Nora, who blushed like a madwoman once again. Umayyad was the first to leave, followed by Barq. Just as Barq was about to step out, he stopped in his tracks and turned around, a small smile playing on his lips. He sincerely thanked Noya for saving him, recalling her quick actions that had saved his life in a matter of minutes. Noya's head snapped towards him in surprise. She never expected him to express gratitude.

Witnessing his genuine smile, she let out a sigh of relief and bid him farewell with dreamy eyes. He chuckled and shook his head before leaving the room. Noya squealed and covered her face with her palms, exclaiming, "Oh my God, did you see? He actually thanked me! He even smiled at me... he's not as bad as I thought!" She squealed once again, causing Nora to raise an eyebrow at her foolish friend.

"Wait a second, am I dreaming? Pinch me," Noya pouted and playfully bit Nora's arm, making her wince. "Idiot, are you going to eat me raw?" Nora said irritably, rubbing her arm.

--

Barq and Umayyad proceeded to Barq's residence. Barq expressed his gratitude to the divine for the safety of everyone, particularly acknowledging Noya. With a slight smile, he arrived at his villa and parked his vehicle. As he entered the premises, he was met with the sight of his beloved daughter, Amor, crying in the arms of her nanny. A wave of anguish washed over him. "Why is she crying? Are you hurt, Amor?" he inquired, cradling her gently in his arms.

Amor swiftly wrapped her arms around her father's neck, embracing him tightly. Meanwhile, Umayyad frowned at the strong bond between them. "Hey, can someone hug me too?" he exclaimed dramatically. Upon hearing his words, Amayra giggled, as did the maids and nanny.

"Daddy, the nanny told me about the explosion. Are you hurt? I was so scared, I prayed for you all day and promised to be a good girl," she innocently stated, causing Barq to chuckle at her last remark.

He affectionately pinched her nose and asked, "Can you do anything for Daddy?"

She nodded her head in affirmation. "Daddy is fine, shine, and so is everyone else. The Almighty heard my Amor's prayers, as she is the most adorable and obedient child among all," Barq assured her, seating her on his lap. Upon hearing this, she gasped in surprise. "Really, Daddy? Then I will always be a good girl," she declared firmly. Barq tousled her hair, and Umayyad coughed, capturing their attention. Amayra giggled and pecked Umayyad's cheek, whispering loud enough for Barq to hear, "I love you too, Uncle Handsome." Umayyad playfully blew her a kiss, prompting Barq to playfully twist his hand, causing Amayra to giggle even more.

"Jealous, Daddy?" she asked, giggling.

"Of course, Amor," Barq replied, nodding.

"Daddy, the nanny told me how a girl saved you. Don't you think we should make love for her?" Amayra said, using their code words, where "make love" meant baking cakes and cookies. Upon hearing Amayra's words, Umayyad choked on his breath.

"You two, father and daughter, are giving me a heart attack with your words," he said, scrunching his face. Barq lightly slapped his head.

"She means we should bake a cake," Barq clarified. Umayyad mouthed an "oh."

Amayra continued to chatter about her daily routine, and Barq patiently listened, caressing her head. He pondered on the fact that if anything had happened to him today, who would take care of his little monster, his precious daughter. Undoubtedly, Noya had saved his life, and he should express his gratitude to her in a special and meaningful manner.

---

Asslamualaikum / Heya 💛
Hope you are doing well 😊
Do vote comment and follow 🥰🤞