𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟗

FAIZAN

Someone paid a journalist to write that article to start a rumor and target us.

Although I got the article taken down, the news has long spread. Not only in the office building but around the press.

Everyone is making assumptions about whether or not Arzo and I had an affair behind everyone’s back.

It would have been fine if they were mainly targeting me but the media and press is starting to talk about Arzo and I don’t know for how long I can keep my cool and not attack anyone, making everything worse.

“Any updates?” I ask Kamaal- my assistant- who I ordered to dig up information about the journalist who uploaded that article.

“The journalist used a different pen name in order to not be caught. We’re still looking into who it was and by whom they were paid.”

“What about the rumors?”

“The press is still active and investigating the rumor. And the fact that the article was taken down is spreading more suspicions among them. However, we are trying to clear their suspicions.”

“Okay-”

The door of my office bursts open, slamming the wall.

My jaw clenches, not at the fact that my door was just slammed against a wall but at the unwanted presence standing in the frame.

Layla.

Ya Allah, give me patience.

“You can leave, Kamaal. I will ask you about the updates later.”

Kamaal nods, turns on his heels and leaves. Layla shuts the door as soon as he’s out of the office.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Wale Kum Assalam,” I say to her.

“I knew it. I knew that woman would be a problem to you.” she says as she steps forward, “why are you still with her?”

“She is not the problem. The press is.”

“She is nothing compared to you. You’re a billionaire, Faizan. She’s just a mute student. An intern.”

“She is more than what people think she is. I don’t understand why this is affecting you so much.” I say, anger rushing through my veins, “the press is targeting me, it has nothing to do with her. The article is a lie to start rumors.”

“She will be the reason for your downfall.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” I start, “Arzo could never be the reason for my downfall. Her existence in my life is the reason for my happiness, her existence is opening doors for me I never thought were there. The rumors will disappear as if they never appeared and I will stop at nothing to make sure Arzo lives a peaceful and happy life. Whoever tries to hurt her has me to face.”

I will find whoever started this rumor and tried to fuel the fire. And when I do, I won’t sit back and do nothing. They will have to pay for their actions.

A knock appears on my door before it opens, cutting Layla from saying whatever nonsense she was about to.

Arzo appears in the door, holding a bundle of files and freezes when she notices Layla.

Layla glares at her then at me, “you’ll regret this.” she grits out before she sharply turns around and stomps out of my office.

As soon as my gaze locks with Arzo’s, they soften.

It has been two days since she hasn’t looked at me and I felt a pain piercing through my heart.

She breaks eye contact quickly and walks towards my table with the files.

She places the files on my desk and points at the post-it placed on top.

Signature needed.

She won’t even sign to me.

I look up to say something to her but she turns around and starts to walk towards the door.

Panic starts to settle in my stomach as I watch her walk away from me.

“Wait-”

I quickly get up and rush towards the door, shutting it before she could leave and caging her from behind.

She stays still, staring at the closed door but she doesn’t look at me.

She doesn’t turn around.

She stands.. Numbly.

I gently grab her arm and turn her around, trying to face her.

She stares at the ground while I stare at her emotionless face.

I can almost hear her walls building, shutting me out from reaching her or talking to her.

“Amar…” my words come out soft, “look at me,”

I watch her swallow visibly but she doesn’t lift her gaze at me and it only increases the pain in my chest.

“Amar, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get you caught up in this. I promise I will fix it.” I say, “Don’t avoid me… please..”

A second passes.

Then another.

Hesitatingly, she looks up and locks her gaze with me.

My heart squeezes at the sight of her eyes shining with unshed tears. Her chin quivers but she keeps her emotions locked.

I lift my hand and gently caress her cheeks.

“It’s going to be okay…”

She slowly shakes her head at my words and a frown etches my face.

I’m about to ask her what she means by that when a knock comes on my door, followed by Farhan’s voice, “Ryan’s here.”

“Wait a second.” I say, loud enough for him to hear.

“I don’t have a second, Malik.” Ryan shoots back.

My jaw clenches at his stubbornness. I’m about to tell him to wait or leave when Arzo suddenly turns around and opens the door.

“Wait, amar-”

She doesn’t listen, she opens the door and walks past Farhan and Ryan who froze after they saw her come out of my office.

I sigh and drag my hand across my face.

“You should have had a second,” Farhan whispers to Ryan.

I look at them with an icy glare.

“Come in,” I grit out.

“You first,” Farhan tells Ryan.

“Why the hell are you throwing me in the lion’s den?”

“Well, I work with the lion all day so-”

“Either come in or get lost.” I snap.

Both of them look at me with shock written on their face.

I don’t usually snap at them but I’m frustrated right now, I have been since I found out about the article and now, I feel like I’m losing my wife.

I don’t utter another word and turn around to go back my desk.

I let my body fall onto my chair and take steady breaths while reciting the Durood.

Ryan and Farhan decide to walk in and take their seat across from me.

I make sure my voice is calm as I speak, “what are your updates?”

“The rumor will soon start to die down,” Ryan starts, “Jack is doing press right now and I’m sure he will be asked about that article since it’s obvious we are close friends. Bree’s friend knows some journalists, she will talk to them into writing articles clearing the confusion and suspicions of people. Your wife may have to do an interview with them.”

“Okay. Did you find anything else?”

“Yes. A fact you’ve been ignoring.” Ryan says.

“What fact?”

“The journalist was paid by someone you know. I am not sure who but it is definitely someone you know.”

“How are you sure?”

“I read the article. It explicitly says that you and your wife were never seen together going home. That your wife still lives with her parents even though you have your own house. However, in the article your wife wasn't described as your wife.” he explains.

“Most people are not aware of how traditions are,” Farhan adds, “so that may have bugged them and made some people believe that you may be having an affair.”

“Exactly,” Ryan says, “now, here is where I know it’s someone you know. From what I know, no journalist interviewed you. Finn checked the security footage around your building, your wife’s neighborhood and the place you’re staying at, there was no indication that any of you were being stalked. It may still be an assumption but I am sure that it’s someone who knows about both of your lives.”

The only people who come into my mind who would try to destroy our marriage are Layla and Shoaib.

But I can’t say anything till I have my evidence.

“Another thing,” Ryan says, “you’re not the main target for this article.”

I frown.

“Your wife is.”