FATE INSPIRED

Chapter 16

Asad

I made my way down the spiral staircase with a black file in one hand and my phone in the other, the marble under my feet a reminder of how much I'd invested in the house. Every inch of it was designed to suit my needs, high-tech, efficient, and precise, just the way I liked it. The automated lights flickered on as I stepped into the living room, the soft hum of the house's systems a constant presence in the background.

The living room was quiet, except for the faint sound of the Qur'an playing in the background through the built-in speakers. One light was on in the far corner, casting a soft glow over the minimalist furniture. I had never been one for clutter, just a few carefully selected pieces, mostly dark wood, and glass, with large, low-slung leather couches in the middle. Everything was sharp and modern, reflecting the kind of life I led. In control, orderly, and efficient, exactly how I wanted it.

I headed towards the kitchen, my gym shoes silent on the floor. I reached the coffee machine, its sleek, metallic design fitting seamlessly with the dark granite countertops. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air as I poured myself a cup. I had always been a coffee drinker, I'd started the habit long ago. The bitterness of it was something I'd come to appreciate, even look forward to in the mornings.

I took a sip, the warmth spreading through my chest as I leaned against the counter. My gym clothes clung to me like a second skin, a simple black shirt and shorts, functional, breathable. Usman would be here soon. He always made a point of having our gym sessions together. Since I'd first moved in, my in-house gym had always been my sanctuary, along with the entire house, away from the noise and constant presence of people at home. But Usman, always the social one, had other ideas. He'd dragged me to high-class gyms and football fields, insisting I needed more "human contact." I'd resisted at first, but he was relentless as always. He knew how to get me into doing things I could never dream of doing. Today was different though as he suggested having it at my home.

I took another sip of coffee, the bitter taste grounding me as I walked back to the living room. I picked the black folder I'd been reviewing before coming downstairs on the way. Business never really stopped for me, even on weekends. I flipped it open as I sat down on the couch, setting the coffee on the armrest. There was something satisfying about going through work files, about knowing exactly what needed to be done and how to get it done.

I glanced at the clock. Usman would be here soon, no doubt ready to make me regret drinking coffee before a workout. I was halfway through my coffee when I heard the loud roar of an engine outside. It wasn't Usman's usual arrival time, he always took his sweet time getting here for our sessions, but the sound of the car pulling into the driveway had me expecting him anyway. I set the black folder back down on the table and stretched my arms, rolling my shoulders.

The doorbell rang, the sound echoing through the quiet house. I made my way to the front door, already rehearsing some comment to throw at Usman about his timing. But when I checked the in-built system screen beside the door, I was greeted with someone else entirely, my younger brother, Nadir.

I opened the door and he stood there, wearing a mischievous grin that immediately made me skeptical. What was he doing here this early? Nadir wasn't exactly a morning person, and he definitely wasn't the type to just drop by unless he wanted something. He leaned against the doorframe, his lanky frame almost mirroring mine in height, though I had him beat in muscle. He had the unmistakenly Fulani look, sharp features, high cheekbones, and light skin, but darker compared to mine and Ammi's.

"Morning." He said, a little too casually.

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes. "What are you doing here, Nadir?"