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Jealousy — The First Spark of Something More
Dee hadn't said a word to Rayyan since she saw him lose his temper earlier. Now, the silence between them was thicker than fog. She could tell it would be awkward… and probably stay that way for a while. On the other side, Rayyan was mentally smacking himself for acting like such a mess in front of her. Smooth, Rayyan. Real smooth.
Time flew by, thankfully, and they arrived at the private terminal of the International Airport — owned, of course, by the ever-grand Zyphrose family.
"Why isn't Ayat picking up?" Dee asked, glancing at her phone as they walked out.
"Maybe she's busy entertaining your precious bikes," Rayyan replied, oozing sarcasm.
Dee raised a brow. "My beloved bikes? Well, yes. At least they're more reliable than you or your mysterious mafia life. And yes, they're totally worth it."
"Worth it?" he repeated like he'd just been slapped. "So those piles of metal and Mr. Kang are worth it now, huh?"
"What—Mr. Kang? Why are you bringing him up now?" Dee asked, her curiosity instantly triggered.
Rayyan stammered. "I—he's… actually, he's right there." He pointed ahead toward the exit where Ayat and Mr. Kang stood waiting.
The moment Ayat saw Dee, she ran to her and squeezed her into a tight hug. "I missed you so much! Finally, I get to see you, hug you, and touch you!" she squealed in a voice sweet enough to give Rayyan a sugar rush.
He rolled his eyes. "Girls and their baby-talk…"
Dee turned and shot him a deadly glare.
Mr. Kang walked over. "Finally, I get to meet you, Dee. I didn't expect you to be this…" He trailed off, searching for a word.
"Cut, beautiful, and stunning?" Ayat finished with a big grin.
"Yeah. That," Mr. Kang chuckled.
Rayyan stepped forward, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don't let that cute face fool you. She can kill you in two seconds and make the world forget you ever existed."
"You're making me sound like a villain," Dee scolded and pinched Rayyan's arm.
"Ow!" he yelped, making Ayat burst into laughter.
"Okay, okay, let's get to the point," Rayyan grumbled. He turned to Mr. Kang, now serious. "What's your business here?"
"I just need to talk to Dee. Won't take long," Mr. Kang replied.
"She's tired. She needs rest," Rayyan shot back instantly.
Mr. Kang ignored the protest. "How about I give her a lift home, and we talk on the way? Sound good, Dee?"
"Not a bad idea," Dee said casually.
Rayyan's jaw clenched. As she started to walk off, he grabbed her hand. "Wait. He's… I mean, do you even know him well enough to—?"
"If you're about to say don't go, then stop," Dee said coolly. "I'm going. You, go back with Ayat. Wait at my place. Oh, I mean my home." She smirked and left with Mr. Kang.
Rayyan watched the car drive away until it disappeared from view. He looked like someone had just stolen his dessert.
"I think we should go too," Ayat said, tapping his shoulder.
Rayyan muttered something and headed to the car. On the way, he kicked a soda can in frustration — which unfortunately flew and hit a nearby security guard.
"Sorry!" he called out.
"It's okay," the guard replied, clearly used to angry rich people with bad aim.
Inside the car, Ayat looked at him sideways. "You know, Rayyan… don't take your jealousy out on innocent people."
"Jealousy? Ha. Why would I be jealous? That she went with him? Pfft. Please. Who even is she to me?" he said a little too fast.
Ayat laughed. "You're so obviously in love with her. Such a classic overprotective guy."
Rayyan rolled his eyes. "Me? In love? With her? Not even the end of the world would make me fall for someone that—"
"Sure, sure," Ayat teased. "But there's something going on between you two. Admit it."
Rayyan pulled over. "Wanna walk home?"
"Okay, okay! I'll zip it!" she surrendered.
---
Meanwhile, in Mr. Kang's car, the mood was more intense.
"How did someone so young manage to run a whole bureau?" he asked, genuinely curious.
"I'm not that young," Dee replied. "And even if I were, I've seen more than most people twice my age."
"I meant… it must be hard. How about you tell me about it—"
"No thanks. I don't share stories with inspectors who can't even bring a proper warrant before snooping into my bureau," she said coolly.
"Well, I would've, if Ayat hadn't stopped me in the middle of the road with one of your rocket bikes."
"Then I guess I owe her," Dee grinned.
"I'm serious, Dee. I know you're not a bad person. I don't want to see you get hurt. This business—it's dangerous. You need to stop before it costs you everything."
She shrugged. "Even if I wanted to, I can't stop now. It's too late."
He looked at her, voice low. "You'll regret it."
"Careful, Mr. Kang. You almost sound like you care about me." She smirked. "Are we still talking about the case?"
He chuckled. "As you wish."
---
When they arrived at Dee's mansion, she stepped out of the car—and froze.
She'd seen pictures, designed every inch of it herself… but seeing it in real life? That was something else.
The massive black gates had fantasy-style engravings, like something out of an ancient legend. It wasn't a house—it was a statement.
Rayyan and Ayat were already at the gate. Mr. Kang said a brief goodbye, probably sensing Rayyan's leave now vibes.
Rayyan watched Dee in awe as she entered the gate and walked along the stone pathway, flanked by roses, tulips, daisies, and more.
"Whose idea was it to put all these flowers here?" she asked.
She turned to find Rayyan and Ayat staring at her like she had descended from the heavens.
"What?" she asked. "Why are you both looking at me like that?"
"It's just… you're adorable," Ayat said, giggling. "Like a baby seeing her birthday cake for the first time."
Rayyan nodded. "Yeah. A baby who acts like she didn't design the whole thing herself. What a drama queen."
Dee raised a brow. "Can't you say something nice for once without being so… you?"
Ayat jumped in. "You were asking about the flowers. Surprise! It was Rayyan's idea."
Dee blinked. "Seriously?"
"He went to like 77 shops to find the perfect colors," Ayat said proudly.
"75," Rayyan corrected. "And it was just to kill time. You know me—I don't do anything halfway. Even for someone I can't stand."
"Well, Mr. Hater, thanks for the effort," Dee smiled. "Nice flowers."
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Inside, the mansion took her breath away.
The black carpet, the sweeping staircase, the vast library… everything was perfect. She rushed upstairs and found the room she had always dreamed of—black door with aesthetic designs, just as she planned.
But nothing prepared her for how beautiful it was in person: a king-size bed, massive wardrobe, a perfect study corner with all her favorite supplies… and then—the balcony.
A cozy swing, a set of plants, and the view of a lifetime.
"So?" Ayat popped in. "Do you love it?"
"I don't wanna leave. Like, ever," Dee whispered.
"Great! Now stop drooling over your balcony and take a nap. And don't forget—be in the basement at exactly 10 PM. Dressed in your prettiest outfit."
"Why?"
"Because I have a surprise for you," Ayat winked.
And with that, she left the room, closing the door behind her.
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