Forgetting Sparks

Chapter 17

The following week passed in a haze of tension and vigilance, with Omar and Layla constantly looking over their shoulders. Though Omar had reassured her, the threat of Nadia still loomed large, casting a dark shadow over their lives. Layla found herself jumpy at the smallest noise, always expecting the worst.

One evening, Layla was at home, hoping for a moment of peace, when Mariam called. "Layla, you need to come out," she said, her voice filled with urgency. "We're all at the new lounge downtown. You've been cooped up for too long."

Layla hesitated. She wasn't sure if she could relax, not with Nadia's threats hanging over her. But Omar, who was beside her, encouraged her to go. "You deserve a break, Layla," he said, giving her a soft smile. "Go have some fun. I'll be here when you get back."

With a bit of convincing from Omar and Mariam, Layla agreed. She dressed in a fitted black dress that hugged her figure, adding a bold red lipstick as a final touch. Tonight, she wanted to feel like herself again—not the girl constantly haunted by Nadia.

When she arrived at the lounge, Mariam and a few friends greeted her with cheers and hugs. The lounge was vibrant, the lights dim and music pulsing through the room, creating a lively atmosphere. For the first time in weeks, Layla felt a sense of freedom creeping back in.

As the night went on, she found herself laughing, her worries momentarily forgotten. But just as she was beginning to feel like herself again, she spotted a figure watching her from across the room. Her heart plummeted when she realized it was Nadia, her piercing gaze fixed on Layla, a smug smile playing on her lips.

Layla's body tensed as Nadia made her way over, weaving through the crowd with a confidence that only heightened Layla's unease. Mariam noticed Layla's change in demeanor and followed her gaze, frowning as she recognized Nadia. "What's she doing here?" Mariam muttered, putting a protective arm around Layla.

Nadia stopped a few feet away, her expression a mix of disdain and satisfaction. "Enjoying yourself, Layla?" she sneered. "Must be nice to forget reality for a little while."

Layla felt her frustration bubbling over. "What do you want, Nadia? Haven't you done enough damage?"

Nadia's eyes flashed with a cold amusement. "Oh, I'm far from done, Layla. You think you've won just because you have Omar? He's only with you out of pity. We both know who he really belongs with."

Mariam took a step forward, her voice sharp. "Back off, Nadia. Layla's had enough of your games."

Nadia gave a dismissive wave. "Stay out of this, Mariam. This doesn't concern you." Her attention returned to Layla, her smile chilling. "Omar and I have history, Layla. Bonds that you could never understand. He can try to deny it, but people always come back to where they started."

Layla fought to keep her composure, her voice steady. "You don't know him like I do, Nadia. He's made his choice, and it isn't you."

Nadia's face hardened, a flicker of something darker flashing in her eyes. "You think you've won, Layla, but this isn't over. And when Omar finally realizes the mistake he's made, don't come crying to me."

With that, Nadia turned and walked away, leaving Layla shaken but determined. She knew she couldn't let Nadia's words get to her, but the venom in Nadia's voice made her uneasy.

The confrontation at the lounge weighed on Layla's mind as she returned home. When Omar saw the look on her face, his own expression tightened with concern. "What happened?" he asked, wrapping her in his arms.

Layla recounted the encounter with Nadia, her voice laced with frustration and exhaustion. "She won't let go, Omar. She thinks she can manipulate you into going back to her."

Omar's jaw clenched, and a fierce determination filled his eyes. "She's delusional if she thinks that. I'm done letting her control us, Layla. This ends now."

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "I'm calling a lawyer," he said, his tone resolute. "We're going to get a restraining order, and I'll make sure she can't come near us again."

As Omar spoke to the lawyer, Layla felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. She knew this was the right step, but she also knew Nadia wouldn't go down without a fight.

Over the next few days, Omar and Layla filed the necessary paperwork, gathering evidence of Nadia's harassment and threats. The lawyer assured them that, with the photos, messages, and eyewitness accounts, they had a strong case for a restraining order.

But Nadia was one step ahead.

One evening, as they were preparing dinner together, Omar's phone rang. It was a number he didn't recognize, but he answered anyway. Layla watched as his expression shifted from confusion to disbelief, then anger.

"What?" he said sharply. "No, that's not true. I didn't... I don't even know how..." His voice trailed off, and he ended the call, his face pale.

"What happened?" Layla asked, worry creeping into her voice.

Omar took a shaky breath, looking at her with a mixture of anger and helplessness. "That was the police. They said I'm under investigation for... for embezzlement. They think I stole money from my old company."

Layla's heart sank. "That's impossible, Omar. You would never—"

"I know," he said, his voice breaking with frustration. "But Nadia's father has connections. He could've fabricated evidence, twisted things to make it look like I'm guilty."

Layla felt a surge of rage. This was Nadia's doing—her way of retaliating, of trying to break them apart. But she knew they couldn't let Nadia win. "We'll fight this, Omar. We'll clear your name."

Omar nodded, but Layla could see the weariness in his eyes. "I just don't know how much more we can take, Layla. It feels like every time we try to break free, Nadia finds another way to pull us back in."

Layla reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly. "She's trying to break us, Omar. But as long as we stick together, she can't win. We'll find a way through this."

They spent the next few days meeting with lawyers, gathering evidence, and preparing for the battle that lay ahead. It was exhausting, draining, but Layla and Omar refused to let Nadia's schemes tear them apart.

One evening, as they sat together on the couch, both worn from the day's events, Omar wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Through all of this, you've been my anchor, Layla. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Layla looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "We're stronger together, Omar. And no matter what Nadia tries, she can't take that away from us."

He leaned down, brushing his lips against hers in a gentle, lingering kiss. In that moment, the weight of their troubles melted away, leaving only the warmth of their love and the strength of their bond.

As they held each other, Layla knew that they could face anything, as long as they had each other.