" I'm sor-"
"DON'T, JUST DON'T SAY IT. YOU DO NOT EVEN DESERVE TO SAY IT AFTER WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO ME! I BEGGED YOU, SCREAMED AND PLEAD, BUT YOU DIDN'T HEED MY WORDS. THEN WHY SHOULD I!"
I yelled with tears streaming down my face when witnessing m...
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I was dreading going to the party. I can't stand in front of hundreds of people, giving them fake smiles and making small talk. If it had been the Amaira from three years ago, she would have tried to blend in perfectly, reacting appropriately to everything, even though she'd still have been afraid. But now, everything has changed. If any man comes within a foot of me, I start to hyperventilate and go into shock. Any man who looks at me makes my skin crawl, because all I can think of is Suhail.
In the first few months after escaping his captivity, I was on the verge of madness. Every person I saw, every voice I heard, made me feel like he was right there, mocking my failed escape and reminding me how easily he caught up to me. Even now, I have panic attacks just hearing his name. So, being in a crowd isn't going to sit well with me.
After getting myself ready, I went to the police station and reported everything that had been happening to me over the past few days. I had hoped they would believe me and offer the support I desperately needed. But I was left disappointed when they told me it wasn't enough to count as credible evidence, and that they needed something more concrete to back my claims. Frustrated, I returned home and tried to figure out a way to resolve this on my own. The only solution I could come up with was to install CCTV cameras around my house, hoping to at least gather some proof that someone was following me, which I could then present to the police.
But I can't avoid it forever. Sooner or later, I'll have to overcome this fear. And maybe, this will be the first step I take toward doing that.
I snapped out of my thoughts and got ready for the party, which had a business theme. I slipped into a sleek, strapless ruched evening gown—a neutral-toned dress that hugged my body perfectly, flowing down to the floor. The soft fabric clung to me in all the right places, but instead of making me feel confident, it only reminded me of how vulnerable I still am.
I decided to pair the dress with diamond drop earrings that sparkled softly under the light. I kept it simple with a thin, delicate silver necklace that rested lightly against my skin, a small pendant adding just a hint of elegance. On my wrist, a slim tennis bracelet glimmered, complementing the silver metallic clutch in my hand. My heels—nude stilettos—elongated my legs, adding a subtle grace to my walk.
As for makeup, I opted for a soft, smoky eye in taupe and bronze, lining my eyes with black eyeliner to add just the right amount of drama. A few swipes of mascara made my lashes flutter delicately. I chose a nude lipstick that felt understated yet polished, with just a touch of blush on my cheeks to give me a natural glow.
I styled my hair in soft, loose curls that fell effortlessly down my shoulders, the perfect balance of elegance and ease. The waves framed my face and gave the illusion of calm confidence, though inside I still felt the weight of the memories that haunted me.
Suddenly, a loud honking sound snapped me out of my thoughts. I peered out the window and saw Rafeeq's car pulling up to the front. As I made my way down, I noticed Amina waving at me with her usual enthusiasm. "Amaira! You look gorgeous!" she called out, her smile bright and welcoming.
