Forgetting Sparks

Chapter 14

Layla spent the next few days living in a state of anxious alertness. Every knock on the door, every unknown number flashing on her phone, felt like a reminder that they were being watched, that Mr. Khaled and Nadia were just waiting to make their next move. But even amidst the fear, she felt something else growing—a fierce determination, rooted in the strength of what she and Omar shared.

Omar stayed by her side, refusing to leave her alone. Despite the tension, there was an undeniable comfort in their shared moments: quiet breakfasts, long walks where words weren't needed, late-night talks where they imagined a future beyond this ordeal. She could feel the weight Omar carried, the way he struggled with guilt for bringing her into danger. But every time he looked at her, she saw a fire in his eyes—a promise that he wouldn't let her face this alone.

One evening, Layla's best friend, Sara, dropped by, her expression a mix of worry and relief. Sara had been a constant support throughout this whole situation, but seeing Layla now, she sensed just how much the threat had changed her friend.

"You look different," Sara said, searching Layla's face as they settled into the living room with cups of tea. "Stronger... but also like you're carrying a heavy burden."

Layla gave a small, tired smile. "I am. But I have Omar, and we're going to get through this together."

Sara sighed, reaching out to hold her hand. "I'm here for you, too. I hope you know that."

"Thank you, Sara. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Their conversation was interrupted by a soft knock at the door, followed by the click of a key. Omar stepped in, his gaze softening when he saw Layla with Sara. He had been tense ever since the meeting with Mr. Khaled, but Layla could see the relief in his eyes, knowing she had people by her side.

"Sorry to interrupt," Omar said, nodding at Sara. "I didn't realize you had company."

Sara smiled, giving him a reassuring nod. "Not interrupting at all. I was just catching up with Layla."

Omar took a seat beside Layla, resting his hand on hers. The ease of his presence brought her comfort, and she leaned into him as Sara watched with a knowing smile.

But the peace was fleeting. Layla's phone buzzed with an incoming text, and her heart sank as she read the message: Meet me at the bar on 5th Street, 9 PM. Come alone. —Nadia

Layla's face paled, and Omar, noticing her change in expression, immediately asked, "What is it?"

She showed him the message, his jaw tightening as he read Nadia's demand. Sara looked between them, her eyes wide with concern. "Layla, you're not actually thinking of going, are you?"

"I don't know," Layla whispered. "But maybe... maybe if I just go and hear her out, I can end this."

"No," Omar interjected, his voice firm. "You're not going to meet Nadia alone. This is exactly what she wants—to isolate you, to intimidate you."

Layla shook her head, the weight of Nadia's manipulation bearing down on her. "I can't keep living like this, Omar. I need to know what she wants."

Omar sighed, running a hand through his hair. "If you're going, then I'm coming with you. I won't let her corner you like this."

Sara reached over, placing a comforting hand on Layla's shoulder. "I think Omar's right. Nadia isn't playing fair—who knows what she might do?"

After a long silence, Layla finally nodded. "Fine. But if this meeting turns into another one of her threats, then we leave. I'm done letting her control my life."

At 9 PM sharp, Layla and Omar entered the dimly lit bar on 5th Street. Nadia was sitting at a booth in the corner, a glass of wine in her hand, her eyes immediately locking onto them as they approached. She didn't seem surprised to see Omar there, but her expression shifted to one of contempt as he slid into the seat beside Layla.

"Well, well," Nadia sneered, setting down her glass. "I see you couldn't even follow simple instructions, Layla. Or is he your personal bodyguard now?"

Layla held her ground, keeping her voice steady. "I'm not here to play games, Nadia. You called me, so say whatever it is you want to say."

Nadia's lips curled into a mocking smile as she leaned forward, her gaze flickering to Omar. "Fine. I want you to leave him, Layla. For good."

Layla's heart skipped, but she didn't flinch. "That's not going to happen."

"Oh, I think it might," Nadia replied smoothly. "You see, I'm done with the little games. You leave him, or I will make sure everyone you love regrets it."

Omar leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Enough, Nadia. You're not going to scare Layla or anyone else into leaving me. This is between us."

Nadia's eyes darkened, and for a moment, her composure slipped, revealing a flicker of something desperate. "You think you can just walk away from everything, Omar? After all my family has done for you?"

Omar shook his head, his tone resolute. "Your family has done nothing but hold me hostage to a past I never wanted. I won't let you or your father ruin what I have with Layla."

Nadia scoffed, looking at Layla with something close to pity. "You have no idea what you're getting into. Omar's world isn't just some fairytale romance, Layla. He comes with baggage you'll never be able to carry."

Layla met Nadia's gaze with unwavering determination. "I know exactly what I'm getting into, Nadia. And I'll stand by him, no matter what it takes."

Nadia's expression hardened, her jaw clenched in frustration. "Fine. Then you'll both have to deal with the consequences."

Without another word, Nadia stood up, casting one final glare in their direction before she disappeared into the crowd. The tension between Layla and Omar lingered as they sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, Omar reached out, taking Layla's hand. "I'm sorry. I know you didn't ask for any of this."

Layla shook her head, her voice soft but determined. "Omar, don't apologize. I chose to be with you. We'll face whatever comes our way together."

They left the bar, walking hand in hand down the empty streets. Layla's heart pounded with a mixture of fear and resolve. She knew they were venturing into dangerous territory, that Nadia wouldn't let them go without a fight. But as she looked at Omar, his eyes filled with love and unwavering loyalty, she felt a fierce sense of hope.

For the first time, she truly believed they could overcome anything—as long as they were together.