FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 17: Shyness Washed Over Her

Tasleem gently released Amira from the hug, she wiped her tears away "Stop crying, I don't want Mamie to know about this, she'll feel bad."

Amira nodded, sniffing back her tears, her face still wet.

"Promise me you won't tell her?" Tasleem asked.

"I promise," Amira replied.

Unnoticed by the two, Rayyan stood on the last staircase, witnessing the intimate moments. His expression softened. He passed by the them, acting as though he hadn't seen anything, and headed out.

He got into his car and drove away.

He soon reached their usual place.

Habeeb and Hamid immediately started making noises to welcome him.

Habeeb grinned mischievously. "What's up, boss? Long time no see!"

Hamid chimed in, "Yeah, we've missed your serious face!"

Habeeb snickered, "Did you bring your briefcase and tie?"

Rayyan's expression remained stoic and he glanced at Habeeb, "Every word you uttered, I'll deduct it from your salary."

Habeeb immediately kept quiet.

"Pfft!" Hamid couldn't take it anymore and burst into laughter.

"I'd be funny after you took over the Company for two years and still didn't receive your last salary? Wow." Hamid said in between his laughter.

Habeeb shot him a murderous glare.

Hamid immediately picked up his phone "I'll order our food."

Rayyan smirked.

•••••

The next day, Tasleem descended the staircase, still dressed in her cozy pink pajamas, her veil perfectly in place. Her scattered hair framed her forehead, adding a touch to her gentle charm.

As she reached the midpoint, she stretched her arms above her head and let out a gentle yawn, . Her eyes fluttered open, and her gaze met Rayyan's, who was already seated at the dining table.

Tasleem's heart skipped a beat. Her large eyes widened, and a sudden wave of shyness washed over her. Feeling exposed, she quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing.

Continuing down to the dining area, Amira's voice filled the room, "My beautiful queen is awake!" She said.

Tasleem laughed, fidgeting with her veil, her flush deepened.

Mamie smiled warmly.

Approaching Mamie, Tasleem greeted her. "Good morning, Mamie." She said.

Mamie responded warmly, "How are you dear?"

"Fine, Alhamdulillah," Tasleem responded, turning to Rayyan her voice soft, "Good morning. Ya Rayyan"

Rayyan grunted, "Um," his gaze drifted back to his phone, his fingers scrolled across the screen.

Tasleem settled into the dining chair beside Amira.

Amira wrapped an arm around Tasleem's shoulders pulling her close with a playful glint in her eyes. "Beauty, didn't I deserve a greeting? You greeted Mamie and Ya Rayyan, but forgot about me. Am I invisible to you?"

Tasleem smiled, "Good morning, Amira. Sorry about that."

Amira's face lit up. "How are you, my lovely. You're forgiven this time."

A soft chuckle left Tasleem's lips, it's very clear Amira enjoyed being treated like the elder sister.

Amira exclaimed, "Mamie, Tasleem is outshining me! Tell her to share her beauty secrets."

Tasleem playfully pouted, her soft pink lips making her look irresponsibly adorable.

Mamie smiled and replied, "Amira, leave her alone. She's just naturally beautiful."

Amira rolled her eyes and pinched Tasleem "You snatched all the love in this house for yourself"

Rayyan glanced at Tasleem and found himself studying her pouted, small pink lips.

Why are they fussing over her appearance? I don't get it. He thought.

Many people raved about Tasleem's stunning beauty, but Rayyan had never paid attention to it. When she accidentally bumped into him the day he returned from Dubai, he couldn't recall her face. all he remembered were her large eyes.

Mamie handed Tasleem a plate with stuffed French toast, oozing cream cheese and topped with fresh strawberries.

Amira teased, "Mamie, I'm older than her. You're supposed to serve me first!"

Mamie smiled.

Tasleem laughed, "You're only older by a month Amira."

Amira playfully rolled her eyes, "Whatever, I'm still older than you."

Rayyan scrunched up his face. "Mamie, I'm starving. Can we please have some food?"

Mamie smiled. "Of course, Rayyan. Here you go."

After they finished breakfast, Rayyan's phone rang. He answered, and Khalid's voice came through the line.

"Ready to head out?" Khalid asked.

"All set. Your car or mine?" Rayyan replied.

"Mine. see you," Khalid said.

Rayyan ended the call and stood up from his seat. "Mamie, Khalid and I are heading out." He said.

Mamie looked up, "Just the two of you? What about Yasim?"

Rayyan shrugged. "He didn't want to come. He told Khalid."

"But why?" Mamie pressed.

Rayyan responded, "He's just being Yasim. that's all."

Mamie nodded, understanding.

Rayyan bid farewell and headed out.

.......

Check me out on IG:@hafsat_writes