Unexpected But Mine

chapter 17

The morning sun filtered lazily through the soft cream curtains of the room, casting a golden glow over the couple tangled up in sleep. Shaheer had his arm draped over Emira's waist, face nuzzled into the crook of her neck, breathing slow and steady. Emira lay curled into his chest, her hand resting on his, legs tangled, heart calm - the kind of peace only a love like this could bring.

Neither had stirred despite the gentle alarm that had buzzed for a moment and then silenced itself.

Outside the door, a knock echoed - sharp, quick, and impatient.

"Bhai! Emira!" Alize's voice rang out, half-amused, half-annoyed.
No response.

Another knock, this time followed by the doorknob jiggling.

"I swear you both sleep like the dead," Alize muttered under her breath before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

There they were - limbs thrown over each other, wrapped in the thick quilt like it was armor against the world.

Alize squinted at the sight and then rolled her eyes dramatically. "Unbelievable," she said under her breath.

She cleared her throat - loudly. "Shaheer!"
Still no movement.

Alize sighed and stepped closer, she shook his hand which was folded under his head.
He groaned.

"Finally!" she said, throwing her hands in the air. "Hamiz's been calling you like a hundred times. You didn't pick up. Apparently something urgent at the office."

Shaheer blinked, lifting his head slightly from Emira's shoulder, his hair adorably messy, voice groggy. "What time is it?"

"Way past when you should've been awake," Alize said, crossing her arms with a grin.

"Now please, make the call before Hamiz shows up here with a megaphone."

Shaheer grumbled something unintelligible and nodded sleepily, reaching for his phone on the side table.

As Alize left, Emira mumbled, "Why does she sound like your mom sometimes?"

Shaheer smirked, brushing her hair back and pressing a light kiss to her forehead. "She kind of is. But hey... I much prefer waking up to you."

Emira giggled softly, snuggling back into him. "Five more minutes?"

"Five more," he whispered, pulling her back into the cocoon of warmth, phone forgotten for just a little while longer.

As Emira dozed off againn, curled slightly to his side with her hair spilling across the pillow, Shaheer quietly slid out of bed. He grabbed his phone, stepping toward the balcony, the early sun brushing against his skin. With a low breath, he dialed Hamis.

The line barely rang before Hamis picked up.
"Finally," Hamis said, voice sharp.

"Man, you need to check your phone. Things just blew up."
Shaheer frowned. "What happened?"

"It's Javed," Hamis said quickly.

"He posted that security cam video online. The one inside his house. The part where you're beating the hell out of him."

Shaheer's jaw clenched, his voice low. "He posted that?"

"Yes. And he's playing victim hard. Twisted the whole thing. Claimed you lost your temper over an old business grudge and jumped him. No mention of Alize. Not even a whisper of what led to that moment."

Shaheer's fingers gripped the railing tighter. "Is it gaining traction?"

"Too fast," Hamis muttered. "It's spreading across business circles and industry boards. People are talking. He knew what he was doing-cut out the context, the backstory, everything. Just made it look like you snapped."