WINNER OF HEART♡

◇part 10◇

I smiled widely as I focused on the road ahead. When we arrived home, Zahra went inside, and I embraced my mom warmly. "Assalam Alaikum, Maa," I said.

"Walaikum Assalam, my baby," she replied, hugging me tightly. I smiled and gently broke away, heading to my room. It was time for Zuhar Salah. After performing wudu, I offered my prayers. Once I had finished, I stepped out onto the balcony, and just then, my phone rang. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was Alicia. I answered the call.

"Hey, Alicia," I greeted.

"Hello, Janan! I've got some exciting news!" she said, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Oh? What's that?" I asked curiously.

"We're having a bike race, and guess who's coming? None other than Mr. Ramin David!"

"Ahan, I see. So, when is this happening?" I asked, intrigued.

"Tonight," she replied.

"Alright, Alicia, can you do me a favor?"

"Of course, love. What do you need?"

"Don't announce my real name," I said with a grin.

"Okay, but what should I call you instead?" she asked.

"I'll tell you later," I teased.

"Fine, I'll wait. Bye for now," she said.

I hung up and closed my eyes, a smile playing on my lips. "How will you handle this, Mr. Moron?" I chuckled softly, licking my lips in amusement.

Later that evening, after praying Isha, I got ready. I slipped into a black abaya and hijab, adding a black leather jacket for a more daring touch. I turned to Zahra and said, "Cover for me if Mom asks where I am."

She hummed in agreement and warned, "Be careful, Jan. Don't push the bike too hard."

I smirked, winked at her, and quietly slipped out of the house. After putting on my helmet, I started my bike and sped off into the night.

When I arrived at the race, I spotted Ramin already there. My heart began to race. "Ya Allah, help me," I silently prayed. I pulled up beside him, but he couldn't see me because of my helmet. He glanced at me and said, "Your style reminds me of someone special."

Smiling beneath my helmet, I remained silent.

The announcer began calling out the racers' names. Then came my turn. "And we have Phoenix!" she announced.

The crowd erupted in shock at hearing the name. I smiled to myself. The race began with the crack of a gunshot. "Bismillah," I whispered as I revved my engine and sped off.

I was trailing Ramin for a while before I pushed the bike harder, the roar of the engine cutting through the air. I pulled up alongside him and playfully flashed him a finger heart before surging ahead into the lead. The crowd cheered wildly as I raced toward the finish line.

Crossing it, I whispered, "Alhamdulillah."

I glanced back and saw Ramin angrily toss his helmet to the ground. "In my whole life, I've never lost a race. Who dares to beat me?" he fumed. I laughed behind my helmet and taunted, "Aww, poor baby lost the race. Feeling sorry for you."

He stormed over to me, his expression intense. "Phoenix, huh?" he growled. I licked my lips, smirking, and slowly removed my helmet. The look on his face froze. He stared at me, speechless.

I snapped my fingers in front of his face. "Where'd you go, baby girl?" I teased.

Running his hands through his hair, he shook his head. "It's hard to believe. You always manage to leave me speechless, Jan. You're driving me crazy, princess."