The Price Of Betrayal

CHAPTER EIGHT : Shattered Reflection

It was a new week, and as always, Alina immersed herself in work from Monday through Friday. When Saturday arrived, she decided to pay an unannounced visit to Rizwan. Her heart raced with anticipation as she packed a few essentials, eager to surprise him. Without informing him of her plan, she embarked on the hour-long journey to his house. When she arrived, she was greeted by an older man who introduced himself as Rizwan's stepfather. He appeared kind but weary, the weight of years and untold stories etched into his face. "Good afternoon, sir," Alina said, offering a polite smile. "Is Rizwan home?" "He stepped out a few hours ago," the man replied. "But if you don't mind waiting, he should be back soon." Alina nodded. "That's fine, sir." She moved to sit, but something on the floor caught her attention-a photograph, slightly torn at the edges. Picking it up, her breath hitched as she recognized the face in the picture. Her mother. Her grip tightened around the frame as tears welled up in her eyes. Fighting to steady her trembling voice, she asked, "Sir, who is this woman in the picture?" The man let out a heavy sigh, his expression distant, as though the photograph had unearthed a torrent of memories he had long buried. "She was my wife," he began, his voice tinged with pain. "I lost her years ago under... tragic circumstances. My daughter believed I was responsible for her death. She accused me, turned her back on me, and eventually disappeared. It broke me. I remarried-her sister, of all people-but nothing has been the same since."

Each word pierced Alina's heart like a dagger. Her knees felt weak as she processed his story. The emotions she had bottled up for so long burst forth, and tears streamed down her face. Amidst her sobs, she managed to whisper, "Maybe that's how life works... to understand the truth only when it's too late. I blindly believed my aunt. I turned against my own father and chose that wretched woman over him. She betrayed me. She killed my mother." The man froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, a storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Alina took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I'm Alina. Your daughter." For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, as the weight of her words sank in, he pulled her into a tight embrace, tears streaming down his face. "Alina... my Alina. I thought I'd lost you forever." They wept together, years of pain and separation pouring out in a cathartic release. After a long moment, her father pulled back, his hands gently cupping her face. "Why are you involved with Rizwan when you know whose son he is?" he asked, concern clouding his voice. A faint smile tugged at Alina's lips. "It was all part of my plan, Papa. I needed to get close to you and uncover the truth. And more importantly, to expose Aunt Zeenat." Mr. Hassan's expression darkened at the mention of Zeenat. "That woman... I never thought she could stoop so low. She will pay for all she's done."

No," Alina said firmly, her eyes burning with resolve. "We can't confront her directly-not yet. She's too dangerous. We need a solid plan to expose her. If we act rashly, she'll only find a way to escape." Mr. Hassan nodded, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "You're right, my daughter. Whatever it takes, I'll stand by you. But we must be cautious. Zeenat must not suspect a thing." "Exactly," Alina said, her tone resolute. "Promise me you won't give her any reason to suspect you know the truth." "I promise," he replied, his voice heavy with emotion. They were deep in conversation, strategizing their next steps, when the sound of a car horn startled them. They exchanged a glance, instantly masking their emotions as the front door opened and Rizwan walked in. "Good evening, sir," Rizwan greeted his stepfather before turning to Alina with a warm smile. "Alina, would you like to join me for coffee? There's a nice place nearby." Alina forced a smile, her heart pounding in her chest. "Sure," she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within. As they walked out together, her mind raced. She had found her father, uncovered the truth, and devised a plan. But the road ahead was fraught with danger, and she knew the battle was far from over.

Each chapter ends, but the story continues-just like life. Thank you for being part of Alina's journey. Let's see what happens next! 🌟