LET ME HATE YOU

Hide and Seek

"If he is hungry, he will join us," Feriha replied, a hint of disappointment in her tone.

Last night, Amaan had promised to work on their marriage. Although she wasn't expecting a miracle, he could have at least made an effort to join them for breakfast. Feriha valued family time and believed everyone should eat together.

"I was wondering if I could prepare his breakfast before he leaves for the office," Asmaira offered.

To Feriha, it appeared Asmaira was proactively stepping into her role as a wife, but the reality was quite different. Asmaira's sole purpose was to learn Amaan's schedule so she could plan her time with Kabir. Since Amaan had specifically warned her to stay away from the child, she couldn't risk being caught—especially since Kabir had not yet completely warmed up to her.

Feriha offered a sad smile. If only she knew what was going on in Amaan's mind.

"While I won't stop you from doing that, you should get accustomed to living here first. And as for him leaving for the office," she turned to Salar, squeezing his palm for his attention. "When will you let Amaan work from the office?"

Salar initially wanted to say it was still too soon for Amaan to return to work, but seeing the hopeful smile on his wife's face, he sighed in defeat. Only one woman could change Salar Hashmi's decision, and he would be damned if he refused her request.

The glaring sun rays made Amaan stir in his sleep. He rolled onto his side and frowned, but the instant a pair of terrified eyes flashed in his memory, he sat up with a jolt.

He frantically looked around the room through his blurry vision, finding it empty. Acting on instinct, he stumbled on unsteady feet toward the sit-out space. Finding that empty as well, he leaned against the wall, rubbing his throbbing temples.

What is that witch up to now?

He knew she wouldn't meekly obey him. If his intuition was correct, she would target Kabir. Even in his drunken state, his mind was analyzing Asmaira's next move. As if he knew the answer, his body tensed, and he marched out of the room in his disheveled state. The staff gasped at his unkempt appearance and quickly moved aside to avoid his stomping.

He slammed the door hard enough for it to bounce against the wall, startling the maids and Kabir. Frightened by the loud noise, Kabir started crying, and Amber rushed to comfort him.

Ignoring Amber and the maid cleaning the window, Amaan checked the bathroom and closet, intending to catch Asmaira in the act. He raked his fingers through his hair, realizing her absence. His gut told him she would be with Kabir, but since he woke up so abruptly, he wasn't certain of his hunch.

He walked out of the room, oblivious to the surprise on Amber's face.

"I should tell Feriha Ma'am. Amaan Sir finally came to his son's room," she murmured, swaying the crying Kabir in her arms.

"Can I have him?" her thoughts were interrupted by the woman cleaning the windows.

"Asmaira Ma'am. Was Sir looking for you?" Amber couldn't understand Amaan's sudden visit.

Amaan, who had been avoiding his son, suddenly barged into the room. And the timing was surprising—he decided to visit his son on the same day Asmaira did.

"Thank you for lending me your uniform."

"I should be sorry for spoiling your dress. Kabir is usually a quiet child, and I never expected him to wave his arms in excitement seeing you and dropping his food on you," Amber said, handing the sobbing Kabir to Asmaira.

"It's okay. They will dry by the time I leave the room," Asmaira reassured her, but deep down, she was grateful that Kabir had thrown his food on her. If not for Amber's uniform, Amaan would have caught her red-handed. Inwardly, she was trembling with adrenaline from Amaan barging into the room. Just as she thought, he would make it a point to intervene at every step, and last night's warning was no bluff.