Forgetting Sparks

Chapter 12

Layla felt the chill of Nadia's threat linger long after she had left the café. Omar had opened up to her, and though the revelations weighed heavily, her resolve only deepened. Nadia was pushing them into a corner, using Omar's past as leverage, but Layla was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

They spent that night in quiet conversation, Omar telling her more about his past—the debts, the fights, and the friendships turned betrayals. Layla listened, her hand resting over his, offering silent support. He wasn't the same person as before, she reminded herself. She could see how hard he was fighting to leave that world behind.

The next morning, as they sat in Layla's apartment, a knock echoed through the quiet. Layla's heart skipped as Omar stood up, his body tensing as he approached the door.

"Stay here," he whispered, before opening it.

To both of their surprise, it wasn't Nadia. A tall man with sharp eyes and an intimidating presence stood there instead. Omar recognized him instantly: Rami, one of Nadia's father's "associates."

"We need to talk," Rami said, his voice cold as ice. "Mr. Khaled doesn't appreciate people walking away from their debts. You know the cost, Omar."

Omar's jaw clenched, but he didn't step back. "I'm done with that life. I've paid more than enough."

Rami sneered. "You think this is something you can just walk away from? Nadia's been keeping quiet, but Mr. Khaled is losing patience. He wants his investment back, and you know what that means."

Layla couldn't stay hidden anymore. She stood up, stepping beside Omar, her hand slipping into his. "He's not alone anymore, Rami," she said, her voice steady. "We're both done with the threats. Whatever you want from Omar, you'll have to go through me, too."

Rami's eyes flickered with mild amusement, but it quickly faded. "Brave words. But love doesn't change debt. And love won't change the fact that Omar owes Mr. Khaled his loyalty."

Omar's face darkened. "I've made mistakes, but I'm not under anyone's control anymore. Tell Khaled if he has a problem, he can talk to me directly."

Rami's expression hardened, but he didn't respond. Instead, he gave Layla a cold glance before turning and leaving. As the door clicked shut, Omar let out a shaky breath, his shoulders slumping with relief and frustration.

Layla reached for him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "We'll find a way, Omar," she whispered. "You don't have to do this alone."

He held her tightly, his voice a low whisper. "I don't know if I can keep you safe, Layla. I've dragged you into this mess, and it's not fair."

She pulled back, looking into his eyes with fierce determination. "You didn't drag me into anything. I'm here because I want to be. And whatever happens, we face it together."

The next few days felt like they were living on borrowed time. Omar kept a close eye on everything, and he and Layla grew even closer, their bond strengthening with each passing moment. Yet, there was an unspoken fear that lurked beneath the surface, a sense that they were nearing a breaking point.

One evening, they went for a walk along the river, the city lights casting a warm glow on the water. Layla leaned her head on Omar's shoulder, her fingers entwined with his as they strolled.

"It's strange, isn't it?" she murmured. "How something so peaceful can exist when there's so much chaos around us."

Omar nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "With you, it feels like I finally have a reason to fight. For something real, something that lasts."

She looked up at him, her eyes shining. "We're going to make it, Omar. I believe in us."

Just then, Layla's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her heart sinking as she read the message. It was from an unknown number, but the words made her blood run cold: You think you can protect him, but you're both in over your heads. Walk away, or prepare to pay the price.

Omar's face darkened when he read it over her shoulder. "This is Nadia. She's trying to scare us."

Layla took a shaky breath, her resolve hardening. "Let her try. We're not backing down."

But as they walked back to her apartment, a lingering tension settled between them. They knew that standing up to Nadia and her family wouldn't come without consequences, and that this was only the beginning of the storm.

Omar stopped outside her building, pulling her close. "No matter what happens, Layla, remember this: I'm doing everything I can to keep you safe. You're everything to me."

She cupped his face, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. "And you're everything to me, Omar. We're stronger together. Don't forget that."

He leaned in, pressing his lips softly against hers. In that kiss, they found a momentary escape, a reminder of the love that bound them together, stronger than any threat. But as they parted, Layla couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to face their toughest challenge yet.