Enamor

2. Unspoken feelings

The Second Chapter
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Unspoken feelings, like shadows in the night,
Linger in silence, away from the light.
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      The grand lobby of Jolie was adorned with crystal chandeliers, their light refracted off the marble floors. Saadia stood there, her heart pounding, as Edan's accusatory words echoed through the opulent space. The air smelled of tension and secrets.
"You're naive, Saadia," Edan spat, his eyes cold and calculating. "All these tactics are normal in business. You think the world runs on fairy tales and honesty? Wake up!"
Saadia's fists clenched. She had trusted Edan, her fiancé, and Nia, her best friend. But now, standing here, she felt like a pawn in their game. They had hidden crucial details from her, manipulated her, and betrayed her trust. The unfair trade practices they engaged in left a bitter taste in her mouth.
"How can you do that to anyone?" Saadia's voice trembled. "It's not right."
Edan's grip tightened on her arm, pulling her closer. His anger radiated like a storm, and Saadia's heart raced. She had never seen this side of him—the ruthless businessman who would sacrifice anything for profit.

And then, as if summoned by fate, Haider appeared. He was the quiet observer, the one who lingered in the shadows. His dark eyes widened as he took in the scene—the tension, the betrayal etched on Saadia's face.
Without hesitation, Haider stepped between them, placing his hand on Edan's chest and pushed him back. "Enough," he said, his voice low but firm. "Release her." He barked.
Edan stumbled, surprised by Haider's sudden intervention. Saadia's arm was free, but her pulse still raced. She looked up at Haider, her eyes wide with gratitude and confusion. Why would he defend her?
Haider's gaze bore into hers, concern etching lines on his forehead. "You okay?" he asked, his voice softer now.
Saadia nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from him.

Edan recovered, his anger replaced by bewilderment. "What the hell? How dare you come between us, She's my fiancée!"
Haider's gaze flickered to Saadia's left hand—the engagement ring glinting under the lobby lights. His jaw tightened, and a storm brewed in his eyes. "Your fiancée," he repeated, his voice laced with something Saadia couldn't decipher.
"Edan, leave," she implored, tugging at his sleeve.
He shook off her touch and seized her arm once more. "You're coming with me," he growled, glaring at Haider.
Saadia's efforts to free herself were in vain. Not wishing to cause a scene or tarnish Edan's image before Haider, she resigned herself to silence.
"Ms.Ashraf, a word in private," Haider interjected.
Edan's grip remained unyielding. "Where do you think you're going?" he demanded.
Mortification washed over Saadia as all eyes in the lobby, especially Haider's, were fixed on them. His fury was palpable, yet the reason behind it eluded her.
"Let's be sensible, Edan. He's our business partner. Let me do my job," she whispered, making sure Haider doesn't hear.
"A partner? So you've consented to this deal?" Edan's voice was laced with disbelief as he asked Haider.
"You never give second chances. Why her?" His gaze shifted accusingly to Saadia. "What magic have you casted on him?" he pressed.
That was the last straw for Haider. Overcoming with emotion, he lunged forward and delivered a swift punch to Edan's face.