𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

31

Airah POV

I side-eye the Saint Laurent  heels Arsalan gave me yesterday, my mind racing with what to do next. The sleek black leather and the iconic gold-toned "YSL" logo heel catch the light, a stark reminder of the extravagant gift I can't possibly accept. It's really too much. Earlier, as he was leaving, I tried to return the heels, insisting that I couldn't accept them. "You have to take these back," I pleaded, holding out the box.

Arsalan just stared at me, his expression blank, making me feel even more uncomfortable."You don't have a choice," he said, his voice low and firm. "If you don't keep them, I'll throw them out."

With that, he turned and left, leaving me standing there in shock.

So, here I am now, sitting on the living room floor, the Opium heels still in their box beside me. I run my fingers over the smooth leather and trace the outline of the "YSL" logo, conflicted. The heels are stunning, no doubt about it. I feel the weight of the gesture, the implications of accepting such an expensive gift, and the pressure it puts on me.

I sigh, leaning back against the couch, my eyes drifting to the clock on the wall. Time seems to slow as I contemplate my next move. I could call him and insist again, but his stern words echo in my mind. Maybe I should donate them, or give them to someone who needs them more than I do. But even that feels like a betrayal of his intention, a rejection of his gesture.

I glance back at the heels, their elegance almost mocking me. They represent a choice I have to make, a decision about how to handle this situation with Arsalan. I know I can't just let it go; I have to do something. But what?

A while later, the doorbell rings, pulling me out of my thoughts. Startled, I quickly stand up and head to the door. Opening it, I find Alana standing there with a big smile on her face, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Come, let's go!" she says enthusiastically.

"Where?" I ask, letting her in.

"Let's go shopping, maybe roam around the city. I got a day off work today," she explains, taking off her shoes.

"That's pretty nice. Wait, I'll be back in a minute," I reply, heading to my room to grab my abaya.

When I come back out, I find Alana sitting on the ground, staring at the heels.

"Are these real or am I just hallucinating?" she asks, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Those are real," I say, sitting down on the sofa.

"Who gave them to you?" She whips her head from the heels to me, her curiosity evident.

"Arsalan gifted me these yesterday... but I can't accept them. It feels too much, and you know how I don't like expensive things," I say, my voice tinged with frustration.

Alana looks at me, her eyes softening. "I get that, but sometimes it's okay to accept nice things, especially from someone who cares about you."

I shake my head. "It just feels like a lot of pressure. I mean, look at them," I say, gesturing towards the heels. "They're beautiful, but they're not me." Alana smiles gently, moving to sit next to me. "I understand where you're coming from, but think about it from his perspective. Maybe he's trying to show you how much he values you. Sometimes people express their feelings through gifts, and this is his way of doing that."I sigh, looking down at the heels. "But it's just so extravagant."

"True, but maybe that's his style. And you know what? You deserve nice things, too," Alana says, squeezing my hand. "Besides, imagine how happy he would be to see you wearing them. Why don't you wear them today? It'll make him happy, and it might even make you feel good." I glance at the heels again, contemplating her words. "You think so?"