Forgetting Sparks

Chapter 16

Layla stood by the window in Omar's apartment, staring out at the city lights flickering against the evening sky. She had spent so many nights here, wrapped in Omar's arms, feeling safe. But tonight felt different. She could feel Nadia's presence lurking like a shadow over them, turning each moment of peace into one tinged with anxiety.

Omar stepped up behind her, resting his hands gently on her shoulders. "Penny for your thoughts?" he murmured, leaning down to kiss her temple.

She sighed, placing her hands over his. "I'm just tired of always looking over my shoulder, always wondering what Nadia's going to do next."

Omar turned her to face him, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Layla, we'll get through this. We've been strong through so much already. She's trying to drive a wedge between us, but I'm not going to let her."

Just then, Layla's phone buzzed. She glanced down and felt her stomach clench when she saw a message from an unknown number. The text read: You think you're safe with him, Layla? You don't even know the half of it. Attached to the message was a photo of her and Omar from the previous night, taken through the apartment window.

Layla's breath hitched as she showed the message to Omar, her hand shaking. "She's been watching us, Omar. She's here, somewhere close."

Omar's expression hardened as he took the phone from her. "She's crossed a line," he said, anger simmering beneath his calm tone. "I won't let her invade our lives like this."

They sat together, strategizing late into the night. Omar reached out to a lawyer, wanting to explore options for a restraining order. But even as they took these steps, Layla couldn't shake the feeling that Nadia wouldn't back down, no matter what they tried.

The next day, Layla was on edge, feeling Nadia's eyes on her everywhere she went. She met up with her best friend, Mariam, at a quiet café, hoping for some comfort. As soon as Layla walked in, Mariam's concerned gaze met hers.

"You look exhausted," Mariam said, pulling her into a hug. "Has something happened?"

Layla nodded, taking a shaky breath as they sat down. "It's Nadia. She's been watching us, sending me these messages... she's relentless."

Mariam's eyes darkened. "She's really lost it. Layla, you and Omar need to go to the police or find some way to cut her off. This isn't normal behavior; it's obsession."

As Layla and Mariam spoke, a man approached their table. He looked vaguely familiar, with a presence that made Layla's pulse quicken. He held a note in his hand, placing it in front of her with a cryptic smile before disappearing into the crowd.

Layla unfolded the note, her heart racing. The message was short but chilling: You think you know Omar, but there are things he'll never tell you. Ask him about his deal with my father.

That evening, as Layla walked into Omar's apartment, she held the note tightly in her hand, her mind reeling. She wanted to trust Omar more than anything, but the message had planted seeds of doubt she couldn't ignore.

Omar was in the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water when he looked up and saw her tense expression. "Layla? What's wrong?"

She hesitated, the note burning in her pocket. "Omar... is there something you haven't told me? Something about Nadia's father?"

Omar's face froze, and a shadow crossed his eyes that made her heart sink. He set the glass down, walking over to her with a sigh. "Layla, it's not something I ever wanted you to know. It's in the past, and I thought it was behind me."

Her pulse quickened, but she held his gaze, waiting. "Please, just tell me the truth."

He ran a hand through his hair, looking pained. "Years ago, when I was just getting started with my career, I was in a tough spot financially. Nadia's father offered me an investment for my startup. It seemed like an innocent business deal, but over time, he began to use it as leverage. He wanted me to get closer to Nadia, to build this... connection. I hated every second of it, but he kept reminding me of the money, the debt I owed him."

Layla felt a strange sense of betrayal, but she tried to focus on his words, searching for the sincerity in his eyes. "So that's why Nadia thinks she owns you? Because of some deal from years ago?"

Omar nodded, his expression pained. "Yes. But I paid him back, every cent, years ago. I cut ties, but Nadia never let go. She clings to that part of my life like it's some sort of proof that we're meant to be together."

Layla's heart ached, and she felt a surge of sympathy for Omar. But there was a lingering unease. "And you didn't tell me... because you thought it would go away?"

Omar reached for her hands, his voice soft. "I didn't want that part of my life to touch you, Layla. I was ashamed of the control they had over me. But I'm not that person anymore."

She searched his face, feeling the hurt and love mingling within her. "I just want you to trust me, Omar. To be honest with me, even if it's hard."

He pulled her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I do, Layla. I promise, from now on, there will be no more secrets between us. We're in this together."

As they held each other, Layla felt a tentative peace settle between them. But in her heart, she knew this battle with Nadia was far from over.