METANOIA

Chapter 17

A flood of panic surged through me, but before I could think of what to say, I blurted out, "I—I came to ask Reza for help with Economics! Guneesh told me he's a gold medalist, and I really need help with this test."

For a second, Haris stood there, processing my words. Then his face lit up with a broad smile. "Studying? That's what this is about?" He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Relief washed over me as he stepped further into the room. "Well, why didn't you say so earlier?" he teased. "Bee, if you're struggling, then of course you should get help. Reza’s the perfect guy for that."

He clapped a hand on Reza’s shoulder. "Please teach my little cousin, Reza. She really needs your help."

Reza gave a small nod, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I’ll make sure she’s ready for her test."

Haris turned to me, his expression softening. "Bee, study hard. I promise you, after graduation, I’ll take you anywhere in the world you want to go."

Hearing Haris's words, my face lit up with excitement. "Are you promising me a trip if I pass?" I asked, my enthusiasm bubbling over.

Haris smiled, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Anywhere you want. I promise. Where do you want to go?" He rubbed his palms together, clearly excited about the prospect.

I glanced at Reza, who watched me with an amused expression, and then blurted out, "Turkey! I’ve always wanted to go there, but I’ve never been."

An amused expression plastered itself on Reza's face as he raised an eyebrow. Haris chuckled, clearly pleased with my choice. "Great idea! And we’ll take Reza along with us, who will show us the best of Turkey. He’s been there several times, after all."

Reza chuckled softly, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I might have a few good spots to share."

Haris nodded enthusiastically. "See? It’s settled then! You study hard, pass that test, and we’ll plan an unforgettable trip to Turkey!"

"Then, we'll discuss last report on F.H.A.R tomorrow ,Reza." Haris said and with a final grin, he waved and left the room, leaving me and Reza alone once more. We exchanged a glance, both of us quietly relieved at how things had unfolded.

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Warm water cascaded on my broad shoulders as I set my hair back under the shower, immersing myself in the warmth, trying to soothe my body after a hard workout session. But even here, my thoughts drifted back to the upcoming meeting at GGH.

Last night Mahab's revelation that she loves me shook me. Deep down I’d known it since the day our eyes met—there was always something in the way she looked at me, a softness that lingered just a little too long. And I couldn’t deny that she had me head over heels for her. Every thought of her had my heart racing, and now I was ready to fight whoever and whatever came our way. But I just had to be careful with us—careful with how we tread through her world, where one wrong step could set everything ablaze.

It felt like I was flying too close to a burning flame, mesmerized by the heat but painfully aware that if I wasn’t careful, I might burn my wings. I couldn’t afford to lose control, not when so much was at stake. Yet, the more I tried to keep my distance, the more I was drawn to her, like a moth to a flame—knowing the danger but unable to turn away.

Turning off the tap, I emerged from the shower with my towel wrapped around my waist, beads of water trickling down my abs. The cool air hit my skin, and I felt a rush of clarity as I walked into my closet. I chose a formal powder blue shirt, its crisp fabric a stark contrast to my damp skin, and paired it with a sharp gray coat suit that made me feel a sense of authority.