FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 18: You're Granting Me Permission To Love Her?

Rayyan bid farewell and headed out.

Mamie excused herself from the table and headed upstairs to her room to freshen up. Meanwhile, Amira and Tasleem migrated to the living room, where they settled in to watch a movie.

••••

As twilight enveloped the grounds, Amira strolled toward the garden. Her gaze drifted toward Yasim, standing along the path. She swiftly averted her eyes, pretending not to notice him. Her footsteps quickened, but just as she reached the garden's entrance, Yasim gently grasped her hand, halting her progress.

Yasim's gentle voice beckoned, "come, sit with me."

"I don't want to," she pouted.

"Come on, please."

Together, they sat in the garden chairs, the evening calm enveloped them. Yasim's voice softened, his gaze locked on Amira's. "Amira, you seemed to avoid me. Did I do something to upset you?"

"Ya Yasim, we're family, aren't we?" Amira asked, her tone gentle.

Yasim nodded, and she continued, "Then why do you keep your distance from the family?"

Yasim's eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw clenched. "What makes you think I'm distancing myself, Amira?"

"You refused to go out with Ya Rayyan and Ya Khalid today?" Amira said.

Yasim's eyes locked onto Amira's, his expression calm but intense. "I didn't refuse to go out with them, Amira. They chose not to go out with me."

"But you told Ya Khalid you wouldn't join them, didn't you?" Amira asked.

Yasim's gaze drifted away his eyes flashed with emotions, he calmly said, "I didn't say that to Khalid, but I'll join them next time, Insha Allah. Are you satisfied?"

Amira nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on Yasim's before she looked away.

Yasim gently grasped her hand. "Amira, I've been wanting to tell you something," he said softly.

"What is it, Ya Yasim?" Amira asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Just as Yasim was about to continue, a car pulled into the parking lot, interrupting the intimate moment. He glanced up, his eyes following the vehicle as it came to a stop in Khalid's designated parking spot.

Rayyan stepped out of the passenger side, followed by Khalid from the driver's seat. Yasim's gaze returned to Amira, his expression apologetic.

"We'll talk tomorrow," he whispered, gently releasing her hand.

Amira nodded, her eyes locked onto his.

Yasim stood up, his movements fluid, and walked over to join Rayyan and Khalid.

"Ah, Captain Yasim!" Khalid exclaimed, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I thought you had a flight scheduled for today?"

Yasim shook his head. "I'm on break. I won't be flying until next week."

Khalid nodded. "Oh, okay."

Yasim smiled kindly at Khalid. "Khalid, can I borrow a moment? I need to discuss something with Rayyan privately."

Khalid smiled politely. "Oh, okay, I'll catch up with you later, Rayyan."

"It's good to have you back. How's the company?" Yasim asked.

Rayyan looked up, "it's running smoothly,Thank you for asking. You want to talk to me? What's it?"

Yasim's voice trembled as he looked down, he nervously said. "Yes, it's about Amira."

Rayyan's gaze narrowed, his expression unreadable. "What about her?"

Yasim's eyes locked onto Rayyan's, sincerity shining through. "I wanted to ask your permission, Can- can I love Amira openly?"

He looked away, a flicker of concern visible in his eyes. He softly said. "Amira is not a child anymore, Yasim. If she doesn't feel the same, or if she's uncomfortable, you must respect her boundaries."

Yasim's face lit up with happiness, unable to hide his joy. "Is that.... a yes? You're granting me permission to love her?"

Rayyan gazed at him, searching for any sign of deceit. Finding none, he nodded. His voice is low and firm. "Listen carefully, Yasim. I'll protect Amira with every fiber of my being. If I sense even a hint of discomfort or distress, I won't hesitate to intervene. I'm selfish when it comes to Amira. She's my little sister, innocent and precious. My responsibility. I'll do everything to ensure she never experiences pain."

"I promise to cherish her, Rayyan. Trust me, I'd do everything it takes to make her happy."

Rayyan looked at him "we'll see, I'll get going."

••••

RH Corporation

The glass doors slid open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped into the lobby. Two years had done little to diminish the aura of authority surrounding him.

He wore a black suit, apparently designer-made, so fitted that his incredible body figure was perfectly outlined. The suit itself looked like it was made out of fine material and seemed to have received excellent workmanship, reflecting a royal air. He looked respectable and elegant.

He possessed a mysteriously elegant charisma despite the coldness, one that was able to draw people inside without effort. He is the definition of a perfect piece of art.

Whispers ripped through the room, "The CEO is back."

Employees paused, eyes locked onto the man. Some nodded in respect; others nodded and smiled nervously.

Without a word, he nodded at the sea of faces, acknowledging their greetings. He remained stoic, but a hint of familiarity flickered in his eyes.

Striding purposefully across the lobby, he bypassed the main elevators and made his way to the private elevator reserved exclusively for him. A sleek silver door slid open and he stepped inside, it closed behind him with a soft whoosh.

As he stepped into his office building, familiar yet forgotten sights greeted him.

His secretary, Maryam, looked up from her desk, she stood up. "Welcome back!"

Rayyan's expression remained stoic, his voice deep yet firm. "Secretary, Maryam."

Her smile faltered slightly at his reserved tone. "It's great to have you back, sir. We've missed you."

Rayyan nodded curtly, his gaze already moving toward his office.

As he entered, a figure stood up from the couch, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Had to be the first to welcome you back," Habib said.

He gazes at Habeeb. "Your work is done here. You can leave." He sat on his black coloured chair of European classical style.

Habib feigned pain, clutching his chest. "You can't wait to send me away? Bro, I'm hurt."

Rayyan's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. "You did a good job, Habib. Thank you."

Habib's grin faltered, surprise flickering across his face.

Rayyan continued, "You'll be getting a bonus. Your efforts didn't go unnoticed."

Habib's eyes widened, voice filled with exaggerated emotion. "I've never felt prouder than now! I feel like crying!"

He mock-wiped away tears, chuckling. "Rayyan, you're making me emotional, I need a hug."

Rayyan shook his head, amused. Habib will never be serious. "Get out, Habib."

Habib laughed, standing up. "Fine, fine. I'll leave you to your kingdom."

.......

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