The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold.
Zafar had planned this evening meticulously—something simple, something for Zoha. No work. No meetings. Just them.
He took her hand and led her out of the car, walking toward a small, cozy restaurant by the water. It wasn't extravagant. It didn't need to be. The moment was theirs.
Zoha smiled up at him, her heart lighter than it had ever been in years.
"I don't remember the last time I felt like this," she whispered, her hand resting gently against his chest. "Like… just me."
Zafar looked down at her, his thumb brushing her hand, his gaze intense but soft.
"You are always you, Zoha," he said quietly. "And you deserve this peace."
They settled at a table with a view of the ocean. The gentle sound of the waves crashing against the shore seemed to fill the air with calm.
Zafar ordered her favorite dish—something she hadn't had in years.
"Zafar, how do you remember all of this?" she asked, glancing at him with amusement. "You've known me for barely a year."
He smirked, leaning back in his chair. "When I care about something, I don't forget."
Her heart fluttered at his words, her cheeks warming.
For the first time in a long time, she felt truly seen.
As they finished their meal, Zoha stepped outside to get some fresh air. She hadn't realized how much she had needed it. The breeze was cool against her skin, and the stars above seemed to twinkle just for her.
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
"Zoha."
The familiar voice shattered the peaceful moment.
Her heart skipped.
She slowly turned around.
A man stood there—tall, sharp features, and eyes that once knew her well.
It was Arden.
Her ex-fiancé.
Zoha froze.
Zafar was still inside, paying the bill. She had no time to react before Arden took a step closer.
"I never thought I'd find you here," Arden said, his tone both bitter and longing. "I was hoping you'd come back. I thought maybe we could fix things."
Zoha felt her heart tighten.
"No, Arden. I've moved on. I'm… happy now," she said, the words tasting foreign on her tongue.
Arden's expression darkened. "You think you'll find happiness with him?"
She took a step back, shaking her head.
"I don't want this. I don't want you. I'm in love with someone else."
Before Arden could respond, Zafar stepped out from the restaurant, his presence unmistakable. He walked over to Zoha and placed a protective arm around her shoulders.
"I suggest you leave," Zafar said in a low, controlled voice. "Now."
Arden's eyes widened.
Zafar's tone was calm, but the intensity in his eyes was clear. Arden was no longer a threat. He was an old ghost.
Zoha felt Zafar's strength beside her, and it gave her the courage to face Arden without fear.
"I don't need you in my life anymore," she said, her voice steady. "Not now. Not ever."
Arden stared at them for a long moment, frustration and hurt flashing across his face. Finally, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Zoha let out a long breath, turning to Zafar.
"Thank you," she whispered, her heart still racing.
Zafar smiled softly, pulling her closer. "You don't have to thank me. I will always be here for you."
They stood there for a moment, letting the waves drown out the past.
As they drove back to the mansion, Zoha felt an overwhelming wave of relief. The past was finally behind her, and Zafar was beside her—strong, unwavering, and real.
She reached over and took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his.
"You know," she began, her voice light, "I never thought I could move on. I thought maybe I wasn't capable of loving again."
Zafar squeezed her hand, glancing at her with a soft smile. "You were always capable, Zoha. You just needed the right person to show you that."
Her heart swelled with emotion.
"You've shown me more than I ever expected," she said quietly. "And I'll never take it for granted."
He leaned over and kissed her forehead, his voice soft and sincere.
"I won't ever let you go. Not after everything we've been through. You're my home now, Zoha."