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I slumped on the couch, the weight of the day’s encounters still lingering in my mind when my phone buzzed. It was my mother. The last person I wanted to hear from right now.
“Zayan, I’ve set up a blind date for you tomorrow night. You’ll love her,” her text read, accompanied by a picture of a smiling woman I didn’t recognize.
Frustration boiled within me. I didn’t need a blind date. I was perfectly capable of handling my own life, and dating was the last thing on my mind. Not when I was embroiled in a rivalry that consumed my thoughts and energy.
I shot her a quick reply. “Mom, I really don’t have time for this.”
A moment later, my phone pinged again. “You’re 28, and you need to settle down! Besides, it’s just one evening. Can’t you try?”
I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply. “I’m busy with work,” I typed back, hoping she’d take the hint.
Her response came almost immediately. “Work can wait. You need to meet someone. Life isn’t just about business, Zayan.”
I felt the tension in my shoulders tighten. She meant well, I knew that, but her insistence grated on me. I didn’t want to be set up like some prize to be won. “I’m not interested in dating right now. Just let it go.”
“Just give it a chance,” she replied. “You might be surprised.”
I tossed my phone onto the coffee table, the sound echoing in the quiet room. “Surprised” wasn’t the word I’d use to describe my feelings about this. The thought of going through the motions of a blind date felt exhausting. What if I met someone who expected me to be someone I wasn’t?
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and purple, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my mother’s well-meaning intentions were pushing me further from what I wanted. I just wanted to focus on my business and this strange, growing rivalry with Leah.
Yet, deep down, I knew this wouldn’t be the last I heard of it. My mother would keep pushing until I gave in. With a sigh, I grabbed my phone again, contemplating how to respond—or if I even should.
•••
The restaurant buzzed with a mix of laughter and clinking glasses as I sat at the table, waiting for my date to arrive. I leaned back in my chair, the frustration of being here gnawing at me. I should be at the office, strategizing my next move against Leah, not pretending to enjoy an evening with someone I didn’t know.
When she walked in, I couldn’t deny that she was attractive. Long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her smile was bright. But as she approached, I felt an unease settle in my stomach.
“Zayan, right?” she said, extending her hand. Her grip was firm, and I could sense her confidence.
“Yeah, that’s me,” I replied, forcing a smile.
As the evening unfolded, it quickly became apparent that she was more interested in my status than in getting to know me. “So, what do you do?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I knew where this was headed. “I run my family’s business,” I answered, keeping my tone neutral.
“Oh, really? That must be lucrative,” she said, her gaze lingering on my watch—a designer piece that cost more than some people’s monthly rent. “I can imagine the lifestyle that comes with it.”
I raised an eyebrow. “It has its perks.”
Throughout the meal, she peppered me with questions about my finances, my investments, and how I planned to expand the business. It felt less like a date and more like a job interview, with her as the eager applicant.
I felt my frustration bubbling beneath the surface. I wasn’t looking for someone who was after my money; I wanted someone who saw me for who I was, not just what I could provide.
“Do you ever worry about how your wealth affects your relationships?” I asked, attempting to steer the conversation in a more personal direction.
She waved her hand dismissively. “Not really. I think money opens doors. It’s nice to enjoy the finer things in life, right? Like vacations, luxury cars… that sort of thing.”
I clenched my jaw, feeling the irritation mount. This wasn’t what I wanted. “It’s not all about money,” I said, trying to keep my tone steady.
“Of course! But let’s be honest, it helps,” she replied, leaning closer with a flirtatious smile that made me cringe. “You wouldn’t want someone who isn’t into that, would you?”
The date dragged on, and I found myself increasingly irritated. As she continued to talk about lavish lifestyles and expensive tastes, I realized that this wasn’t just a frustrating evening—it was a reminder of how hollow many connections felt. I wanted authenticity, not superficiality.
When the check arrived, I didn’t hesitate. I paid, offering a polite smile. “Thanks for the evening,” I said, standing up.
As I walked away, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I’d rather deal with the chaos of my rivalry with Leah than sit through another evening like that. At least with her, the stakes were real.
