Hayaat beamed with pride as she placed the final touches on her bakery's grand opening sign: "Azlan's Hayaat's Haven." It was a dream come true, leaving her part-time job to pursue her passion. She had Azlan to thank for the encouragement.
Just then, the door swung open, and Azlan walked in, looking dashing in his tailored suit. "My queen's kingdom is finally open for business," he said, kissing her forehead.
Hayaat's heart skipped a beat. "It's our kingdom, Azlan. You're my partner in every sense."
As they shared a tender moment, the doorbell above the entrance jingled, signaling the arrival of their first customers.
But amidst the chaos of orders and congratulations, Hayaat noticed a peculiar customer lurking in the corner, eyeing Azlan with an unnerving intensity.
Suddenly, a delivery person handed Hayaat a mysterious package with no return address. Inside, she found a cryptic message:
"Your sweetness comes with a price."
Hayaat's smile faltered. Who could be threatening her happiness?
Azlan's protective instincts kicked in. "What's wrong, my love?"
Hayaat hesitated, unsure if she should share the mysterious message with Azlan. His protective nature would likely kick in, and she didn't want to burden him. Yet, the words lingered in her mind, stirring unease.
"Azlan, it's probably nothing," she said finally, deciding to downplay the incident, "but I received a strange package earlier."
Azlan's eyes snapped to hers, his expression alert. "What kind of package?"
Hayaat handed him the box, her fingers brushing against his. "This. There was no return address."
Azlan's jaw clenched as he read the message. "Your sweetness comes with a price."
His gaze locked onto hers, intensity burning within. "Who could have sent this?"
Hayaat shook her head. "I have no idea."
Azlan's arms enveloped her, pulling her close. "Don't worry, my love. I'll take care of this. You're safe with me."
As Hayaat nestled into his embrace, she felt a sense of security. But the message still lingered, casting a shadow over their happiness.
Just then, the peculiar customer who had been eyeing Azlan earlier got up and left the bakery. Hayaat watched as they disappeared into the crowd.
"Who was that person?" Hayaat asked Azlan, her curiosity piqued.
Azlan's eyes narrowed. "I don't know, but I'll find out. Let's review the security footage."
As they checked the footage, Azlan's expression turned thoughtful.
"I think I recognize them," he said. "I'll investigate further."
Hayaat's concern grew. "Do you think they're connected to the message?"
Azlan's face set in determination. "I'll find out, my love. Your safety is my top priority."
Mysterious Customer's True Identity Revealed
Azlan couldn't shake off the feeling that the mysterious customer was more than just a curious onlooker. He decided to dig deeper.
After hours of investigating, Azlan finally uncovered the customer's identity:
Safiyah, Zoha's younger sister.
Azlan's eyes narrowed as the pieces fell into place. Zoha, his ex, had a history of manipulation and deceit. Her infidelity had shattered their relationship, leaving Azlan scarred.
Now, it seemed Zoha's jealousy had resurfaced, fueled by Azlan's newfound happiness with Hayaat.
Azlan recalled Zoha's desperate attempts to win him back after their breakup. Her regret and guilt had slowly turned to resentment, and now, envy.
He quickly called Hayaat, his voice low and urgent. "Hayaat, I need to tell you something."
"What is it?" Hayaat asked, concern etched in her voice.
"Safiyah, the mysterious customer, she's Zoha's sister."
Hayaat's gasp echoed through the line. "Zoha, your ex?"
Azlan's expression darkened. "Yes. She's been trying to harm you, Hayaat. Driven by jealousy."
Zoha's past actions flashed before Azlan's eyes:
Her cheating, her lies, her desperate attempts to control him.
Now, she sought revenge against the woman who had captured Azlan's heart.
Just then, Azlan's phone beeped with an incoming text from Zoha:
"You think you've moved on, Azlan? You'll never be truly hers."
Azlan's jaw clenched. "I won't let her harm you, Hayaat."
Azlan's face darkened as he strode toward Zoha's location, determination burning within. He wouldn't let her harm Hayaat.
