Alina's business ventures began to thrive. She was no longer just Aariz's ex-wife; she was now a powerful woman, carving her path in the world. The days were long, filled with boardroom meetings, investor calls, and high-profile industry events. Success had started to become her solace, a way to drown out the pain of the past.
But even in her newfound success, Alina couldn't escape the shadows of her previous life. Aariz was still there, a lingering presence in her thoughts, though she would never admit it aloud. He was the man she had once loved deeply, and despite everything, she hadn't completely erased him from her heart.
Zain, ever by her side, could sense the remnants of her feelings for Aariz, but he didn't push her. He continued to support her with an unwavering dedication, though his heart ached every time he saw the flicker of sadness in her eyes when Aariz's name came up in the media. Zain's love for her was patient, but he couldn't deny the pain of watching Alina love someone else, even if that love was now broken.
---
Meanwhile, Aariz's life was spiraling further into chaos. On the surface, everything seemed fine—he still attended high-profile business meetings and was seen at exclusive social events with Layla on his arm. But his mind was constantly elsewhere. He could no longer ignore the gnawing sense of regret that haunted him.
Layla, sensing Aariz's growing distance, became more aggressive in her attempts to keep him close. She subtly reminded him of their bond, their shared life, and how far he had come since leaving Alina. But the more she clung to him, the more suffocated Aariz felt. He had tried to convince himself that Layla was what he wanted, that their relationship was what he needed to escape the guilt of betraying Alina. But the truth was, Layla's presence was only making him realize how much he had lost.
Aariz began withdrawing from Layla, spending more time at the office or alone, but he couldn't fully break free from her. Layla's manipulations were intricate, weaving a web of emotional entanglement that made Aariz feel trapped. Yet, his thoughts continuously drifted back to Alina—her smile, her laugh, the way she believed in him when no one else did.
---
As Alina's success soared, Zain's feelings for her became harder to contain. He watched her from afar, marveling at her strength and independence, but also yearning for the closeness they once shared. He remembered their college days, back when Alina was carefree and full of hope. Zain had loved her even then, but Aariz had always been in the picture.
Now, Zain found himself torn between being the supportive friend Alina needed and the man who secretly longed for more. He was patient, hoping that one day Alina might see him as something more than just a confidant. But as Alina's focus remained on her career and her emotional wounds from Aariz's betrayal, Zain feared that his love might never be reciprocated.
Still, Zain was there for her, as always. He helped her strategize business decisions, attended events with her, and stood by her side when the pressure mounted. In many ways, Zain had become an irreplaceable part of Alina's new life, even though she remained oblivious to the depth of his feelings.
---
Then, everything changed.
One morning, Alina woke up feeling strange. At first, she thought it was just exhaustion from the long hours she had been working, but when the feeling persisted, she decided to see a doctor. What she learned that day would turn her world upside down—Alina was pregnant.
The news hit her like a tidal wave. She was carrying Aariz's child—twins, to be exact. For a moment, Alina didn't know how to process it. She had built her entire new life around moving on from Aariz, yet here she was, carrying his children. The irony of it all was overwhelming.
But more than the irony, it was the realization of the monumental decision she now faced. Alina had no intention of telling Aariz about the pregnancy. Not after everything that had happened. He had made his choice to be with Layla, and Alina wasn't about to disrupt his life, nor did she want him involved in hers. She would raise the twins on her own, without Aariz.
---
As the weeks passed, Alina kept her pregnancy a secret, even from Zain. She threw herself deeper into her work, pushing harder than ever to ensure her business remained successful. But the strain of balancing her career and her impending motherhood began to take its toll.
Zain, concerned for her well-being, confronted her one evening. "Alina, you've been pushing yourself too hard. You need to take care of yourself."
Alina, exhausted and overwhelmed, almost broke down right there. She wanted to tell him the truth—that she was pregnant, that she was scared, that she didn't know how to handle it all—but she stopped herself. Zain was her best friend, her rock, but she wasn't ready to let anyone into this part of her life just yet.
"I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile. "It's just the business. There's so much to do."
Zain didn't believe her, but he didn't press further. He knew Alina well enough to understand that she would tell him when she was ready.
---
Meanwhile, Layla's grip on Aariz was beginning to weaken. Aariz had grown more distant, and no amount of manipulation or emotional coercion seemed to bring him back. Layla could sense that her time with him was running out, and she wasn't about to let go without a fight.
She had always seen Alina as a threat, even though Aariz had divorced her. Layla knew that Aariz's heart still belonged to Alina, and she feared that if given the chance, Aariz would return to her. So, Layla began plotting ways to ensure that Alina stayed out of their lives permanently.
Her manipulations grew more sinister, but Aariz, though still entangled with her, was beginning to see through her lies. He couldn't ignore the truth any longer—he still loved Alina, and no matter how hard he tried to move on, that love wasn't going away.