Revenge Marriage

Chapter -14

**Alishba's POV**

I ran my fingers through my bedhead mess of hair and dragged myself into the living area. Hashim was already planted on the sofa like it was his ancestral throne, watching cartoons of all things.

I dropped next to him, arms crossed, lips pressed tight.

"You both—"

"Don't. Even. Start," I said, raising one threatening eyebrow at him.

He paused dramatically. "Okay, okay... not saying anything."

A full minute of silence.

Then, out of nowhere—
"What the *actual* hell? You two were having sex, weren't you?!"

I slapped my palm over his loud mouth. "Shut up!"

Hashim let out muffled giggles under my hand. "Mmm...mmm..."

I gave him a death glare before removing my hand. "What now?"

He leaned forward, excitement all over his face. "So, who kissed whom? Was it like *slow mo*, music playing, sparks flying, birds chirping...?"

"Why are you acting like a teenage girl watching a K-drama?" I groaned.

"Excuse me, miss dramatic — I'm your best friend *and* I'm on a mission." He made finger guns in the air. "*Mission Zayan.*"

I smacked his imaginary guns down.

"He kissed me, okay?" I said, rolling my eyes.

Hashim's jaw dropped. "WHAT? But why?"

"To make you jealous."

Hashim blinked. Then broke into a huge grin. "Sweet potato, this is the best news I've had all week!"

"Sweet potato?"

"Yep. Because this confirms it—Zayan has entered the 'J' zone."

"The what now?"

"The *Jealousy Zone*," he said, whispering like it was top-secret intel. "It means there's definitely something brewing in that broody head of his."

I blinked. "So you're saying... he kissed me because...?"

"He was insecure. He thinks you and I are vibing, and he's scared he's losing you."

I paused, biting my lip. "So... he *does* feel something?"

"He does. And it's spicy," Hashim wiggled his eyebrows. "Congratulations. Zayan's heart might finally be defrosting."

I gave him a small smile. Then narrowed my eyes. "Wait... why are you even here this early? Just to gossip?"

"Gossip AND coffee. Your chef makes that soul-hugging black coffee that slaps."

"Seriously?"

"Also, there's a party."

"A party?" I asked.

"Yes. *My* party."

My brows furrowed. "What do you mean *your* party?"

He stared at me like I was the dumbest person alive. "You forgot my birthday?!"

I gasped. "Oh my God... Hashim!"

I covered my mouth, guilt spreading fast. "I swear, I *never* forget. I've just been... I'm really sorry, Hashim."

He smiled softly. "Alright, just this once. You're forgiven."

"Happy Birthday, you drama queen!" I pulled him into a hug.

"Hmm-hmm," a deliberate cough echoed from behind us.