Forgetting Sparks

Chapter 13

The morning after Nadia's threat, Layla woke up with a sense of dread. The message from the night before replayed in her mind, and she couldn't ignore the possibility that Nadia's intimidation would only escalate. She found herself watching the clock, anxiety ticking along with each passing second. Her phone remained silent, yet she felt like any moment it might bring more threats, or worse.

When Omar showed up at her door later that day, she noticed the weariness in his eyes. He'd been trying to handle everything on his own, protecting her while dealing with Rami and the shadow of Nadia's family. He held a bouquet of wildflowers, a bittersweet smile on his lips.

"For you," he said, holding the flowers out. "Thought we could use a little bit of beauty right now."

Layla smiled, accepting the flowers as she stepped aside to let him in. "They're perfect," she murmured, inhaling their scent before placing them in a vase on the kitchen counter. "How are you holding up?"

Omar sighed, leaning against the counter, his fingers brushing his forehead. "I'm managing," he replied, though his tone was strained. "But I'm starting to wonder if Nadia and her family are more dangerous than I thought."

Layla took his hand, squeezing it. "You don't have to face them alone, Omar. We're in this together."

Omar's gaze softened, his fingers intertwining with hers. "That's what keeps me going, Layla. You're my light in all this darkness. But I hate that you're caught in the crossfire."

Before Layla could reply, a loud knock echoed from the door. Both of them froze, exchanging a wary glance. Layla's heart pounded as she made her way to the door, with Omar right behind her.

She opened it to find Rami standing there, his face expressionless. "Omar," he greeted with an icy nod before turning to Layla. "Miss Layla, we need to talk."

Omar stepped protectively in front of her. "What do you want now, Rami?"

Rami's gaze didn't waver. "Mr. Khaled has extended an invitation to both of you. He wishes to discuss terms... for Omar's freedom."

Omar tensed, his jaw clenched. "Terms? Since when does he play fair?"

Rami ignored the question, his tone even. "It's in your best interest to come. Mr. Khaled values loyalty, but he values his family's reputation more. He has... certain conditions for clearing your debts and freeing you from his control."

Layla felt a surge of anger. "This isn't freedom—it's manipulation."

Rami's cold gaze shifted to her. "Call it what you want, Miss Layla. But this is the only chance you're going to get to walk away without further consequences. Refuse, and there may not be another opportunity."

Omar's face was a mask of rage, but Layla's hand on his arm calmed him. She met Rami's gaze, her expression unyielding. "Fine. We'll meet him. But understand this—Omar and I won't be intimidated."

Rami inclined his head with a faint, mocking smile. "Very well. Tomorrow night at eight. I'll send a car."

As soon as Rami left, the tension in the room felt almost suffocating. Layla turned to Omar, searching his face. "Are you sure about this?"

He took a deep breath, his eyes dark with determination. "I don't see another way, Layla. If there's even a chance of ending this, of being free... then I have to take it. For us."

She nodded, her hand resting against his cheek. "We'll face it together."

The following evening, Layla and Omar arrived at the address Rami had given them—a sprawling mansion at the edge of the city. The place was intimidating, its grandeur laced with a cold, imposing aura. They were led into a dimly lit room where Mr. Khaled waited, seated in a leather chair with Nadia standing beside him, her expression smug.

"Ah, Omar," Mr. Khaled greeted, his voice smooth and calculating. "And Layla. Thank you for accepting my invitation."

Omar nodded stiffly, his hand instinctively finding Layla's as they took a seat across from Mr. Khaled. "We're here. So let's hear it—what are these 'terms' you have in mind?"

Mr. Khaled's gaze shifted between them, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "I understand you want freedom from your debts and my... oversight. I'm willing to consider it. But there's a condition."

Omar narrowed his eyes. "What condition?"

Mr. Khaled leaned forward, his expression cold. "Nadia has had her heart set on you for years, Omar. She's been loyal, despite your... rebellion. I'd like you to consider giving her a chance."

Layla's stomach twisted at his words, her hand clenching in Omar's. Nadia's smug smile widened, her gaze flickering toward Layla with a look of satisfaction.

Omar's jaw tightened. "That's not happening, Mr. Khaled. I love Layla, and nothing you say or do will change that."

Mr. Khaled's smile faded, replaced by a hard edge. "Think carefully, Omar. I'm offering you a chance to wipe your slate clean. Refuse, and I will ensure that you—and anyone associated with you—pay dearly."

Layla felt a chill, but she forced herself to stay composed. She looked at Omar, seeing the turmoil in his eyes, the struggle between protecting her and standing his ground.

Taking a deep breath, Layla spoke up, her voice steady. "With all due respect, Mr. Khaled, love isn't something you can bargain for. Omar and I didn't come here to be blackmailed into something that isn't real."

Mr. Khaled's gaze darkened, but he didn't respond immediately. Nadia, however, took a step forward, her eyes fixed on Layla with a venomous glint. "You're playing a dangerous game, Layla. You have no idea what my family is capable of."

Layla met her gaze unflinchingly. "I know exactly what you're capable of, Nadia. But I'm not afraid of you."

Nadia's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. "Then you're a fool. Because when this is over, he'll come back to me, whether you like it or not."

Omar's voice cut through the tension, firm and resolute. "Nadia, listen to me carefully: I will never choose you. Whatever my mistakes, my loyalty and love belong to Layla."

Mr. Khaled's eyes flashed with anger, his composure slipping. "Very well. You've made your choice, Omar. But know this—crossing me has consequences, and I don't forgive easily."

As they stood up to leave, Layla felt a surge of pride in Omar's stance, his unwavering commitment to her. But the gravity of the situation weighed heavily. Mr. Khaled's words echoed in her mind, a haunting reminder that their fight was far from over.

Back at Layla's apartment, Omar pulled her close, his voice raw with emotion. "Layla, I'm sorry for dragging you into this. But tonight... you were incredible. Stronger than I ever thought possible."

She looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "We're in this together, Omar. No matter what they throw at us, I'll stand by you."

He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss filled with all the passion, love, and fear they both carried. In that moment, nothing else mattered—the threats, the danger, the weight of Mr. Khaled's warning. All that existed was the two of them, bound by love and a fierce determination to overcome the darkness surrounding them.

As they pulled back, Omar looked at her with a mixture of gratitude and wonder. "I don't know how I got so lucky, Layla. You're my reason to keep fighting."

She smiled, her fingers tracing his cheek. "Then don't ever stop fighting, Omar. We'll find our way through this. Together."

But as they held each other, both of them knew that the storm was only just beginning.