DAUGHTER OF THE ENEMY

CHAPTER THREE

CALIFORNIA

PETER'S RESTAURANT

Irha pushed open the door to Peter's restaurant, a familiar sense of comfort washing over her. But as she approached the counter, she noticed a new face - a young woman with a bright smile and a eager expression. Irha's heart began to race as she approached Mr. Peter, her boss.

"Hey, Irha! Good to see you," Mr. Peter said, his tone cheerful. But Irha's eyes were fixed on the new employee, who was busy taking orders with ease.

"Who's this?" Irha asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Ah, this is Emily," Mr. Peter replied. "She's our new full-time employee. I thought it was time to bring someone on board who could commit to a regular schedule."

Irha felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "Full-time?" she repeated, her voice shaking.

Mr. Peter's expression turned sympathetic. "Irha, you know I love having you here, but your part-time schedule just wasn't working out for the business. I need someone who can be here consistently."

Irha's eyes stung as tears pricked at the corners. She felt like she was losing yet another piece of her life, another thing that kept her connected to her past. She forced a smile, trying to be professional, but inside, she was dying.

"Congratulations, Emily," Irha said, her voice strained. "I'll make sure to train her well, Mr. Peter."

But as she turned to leave, Irha knew she wouldn't be coming back. She couldn't bear the thought of working alongside someone who was taking her place, someone who was erasing her presence from the restaurant she loved.

Despite working as a part time employee,she enjoyed working there.

EVENING

ITALY ROS MANSION

Rayyan's eyes gazed at the photo of his wife, Irha, her smile radiant and her eyes sparkling. But his expression was twisted in a mix of anger and sorrow. He spoke in a low, tortured tone.

"My love, I'm so sorry. I failed you. I couldn't protect you or our family. But I promise, I'll make it right. I'll find that girl, Rania, and make her pay for what her father did to us."

Just then, a small voice interrupted his vow.

"Daddy, I couldn't sleep."

Rayyan's gaze shifted to his daughter, Anisa, her eyes wide with worry. He forced a gentle smile, his heart heavy with pain.

"Hey, sweetie. Come here."

He opened his arms, and Anisa climbed onto his lap. Rayyan held her close, his embrace warm and comforting.

"I'm here, baby. Everything's okay."

As he stroked her hair, Anisa's eyelids drooped, her breathing slowing. Rayyan continued to hold her, his eyes fixed on Irha's picture, his mind still burning with anger and determination.

But in this moment, he pushed it aside, focusing on the tiny human in his arms, the one person he had left to protect and love.

With a soft sigh, Rayyan rose from his chair, carrying Anisa to her room. He laid her down, tucking the blankets around her. As he kissed her forehead, her eyes fluttered open once more.

"I love you, Daddy," she whispered.

Rayyan's heart swelled. "I love you too, baby. More than anything."

CALIFORNIA

SOPHIE'S BAKERY

Irha burst into Sophia's bakery, tears streaming down her face. Sophia, surrounded by the warm aroma of freshly baked goods, immediately noticed her friend's distress.

"Irha, what's wrong?" Sophia asked, concern etched on her face.

Irha collapsed onto a stool, her body shaking with sobs. Sophia rushed to her side, embracing her tightly.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. Tell me what happened."

Irha managed to choke out the story of her job loss, her voice barely audible. Sophia listened attentively, her expression sympathetic.

"Oh, Irha, I'm so sorry. You're spread too thin, working multiple jobs. Maybe it's time to focus on just one?"

Irha shook her head, her eyes welling up again. "I can't, Sophia. I need the money too much. I have to keep working, no matter how hard it gets."

Sophia's expression softened. "I understand, but your well-being is important too. You're burning yourself out, Irha."

Irha sniffled, wiping her tears. "I'll be fine, Sophia. I just need to find another job, that's all."

Sophia nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "Okay, but promise me you'll take care of yourself too. You're not alone, Irha. I'm here for you."

ITALY, ROS MANSION

Rayyan took a long drag on his cigarette, the smoke curling around him as he gazed out the window.

The wine glass in his hand was almost empty, a testament to his growing unease. Just as he was starting to relax, his phone buzzed. He answered, his voice low and gravelly.

"Rayyan."

"Rayyan, amico mio," Manuel Ferrara's smooth voice replied. "I heard you have a little bird in your custody. The same one I've been searching for."

Rayyan's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about, Manuel?"

"Don't play dumb, Rayyan. I know it's her. Rania, the daughter of our mutual enemy. I want her."

Rayyan's grip on the phone tightened. "She's not going anywhere, Manuel. Least of all to you."

Manuel chuckled. "Oh, but I think she will. You see, I have a score to settle with her father, and she's the key. Let's not forget, Rayyan, you're not the only one with a grudge against him."

Rayyan's voice dropped to a growl. "Mind your own business, Manuel. She's mine now."

Manuel laughed again. "Until next time, amico mio. Until next time."

The line went dead, and Rayyan cursed under his breath. He took a final swig of wine, his mind racing with the implications.

He knew Manuel wouldn't back down easily, and Rayyan would have to be prepared to fight to keep Rania safe.

******

Hi guys! How are you all doing? I hope you are doing well 🙂 the story continues... it's getting more and more interesting... can't wait to see what's next 😁