118.

The grand ballroom of Ibrahim’s mansion was decked in opulent splendor. Crystal chandeliers cast sparkling light over the guests gathered for the engagement of Faraz and Alana. The air was heavy with the scent of roses and expensive cologne, mingling with the quiet hum of conversations.

Taliya stepped inside, feeling small in her simple yet elegant dress. She clutched her clutch bag tightly, her eyes darting around the room. She felt a flutter of nervousness and anticipation, searching for a familiar face.

Sofia, Haroon’s girlfriend, giggled beside her, the shimmering gown she wore swishing with every move. “Oh my God, Taliya, look at this!” Sofia squealed, holding up her phone. “This is going to get so many views on my vlog. A billionaire engagement? It’s like a dream!”

Haroon rolled his eyes, but a smile played on his lips. “You and your vlogs,” he teased, nudging Sofia lightly. “Try not to get in trouble, alright?”

Sofia giggled again, clutching his arm. “Relax, babe. I just want to capture the magic.”

Taliya tried to smile, but her heart wasn’t in it. She was too distracted, too worried. Her gaze scanned the crowd, looking for Murad. Her chest tightened with a mix of hope and longing. Where was he?

Sofia was too busy filming everything, her laughter bright and carefree. She panned her camera around, capturing the towering floral arrangements, the guests dressed in the finest couture, and the extravagant display of wealth. “Everyone, welcome to the engagement of the century!” she narrated to her followers, her voice cheerful and bubbly. “Look at how gorgeous everything is—absolutely goals, right?”

Haroon chuckled, leaning toward Taliya. “She’s having the time of her life,” he remarked, his tone amused. “You doing okay?”

Taliya forced a smile, but the worry didn’t leave her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she murmured, though her voice lacked conviction. “Just… trying to find someone.”

“Murad?” Haroon guessed, his voice dropping lower so only she could hear. Taliya nodded, and Haroon offered a reassuring smile. “He’ll be here, don’t worry. Probably avoiding all the drama for as long as he can.”

Taliya appreciated his attempt to lighten the mood, but she couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at her. She turned her attention back to the crowd, and finally, her heart leapt.

Murad stood by the open bar, dressed in a sleek black suit that fit him perfectly. His hair was neatly styled, but his expression was tense. He seemed distracted, nursing a glass of water in his hand, his gaze distant.

Taliya took a breath and started toward him, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. “Murad!” she called out, relief flooding her voice.

Murad’s head snapped up, and his eyes softened the moment he saw her. A smile broke across his face, and he set his glass down. “Taliya,” he greeted, his voice warm as he closed the distance between them. “You made it.”

She didn’t hesitate. Her arms wrapped around him in a tight hug, and she buried her face in his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of him. “I was looking for you,” she admitted, her voice muffled. “I was worried.”

Murad chuckled softly, his arms coming around her in return. “I’m here,” he said, his voice soothing. “I wouldn’t miss this circus for anything.”

Taliya pulled back slightly, looking up at him with concern. “Are you okay? I know this can’t be easy for you… seeing Faraz getting engaged.”

Murad’s expression darkened for a moment, but he forced a smile. “It’s complicated,” he admitted. “But trust me, things are going according to plan.”

Taliya frowned, her fingers tightening on his sleeve. “According to plan?” she echoed. “What do you mean?”

Murad sighed, his eyes darting briefly to where Faraz stood with Alana, who looked every bit the perfect fiancée. The smile Faraz wore seemed genuine, but Murad knew his stepbrother too well to be fooled. “I’ll explain later,” Murad promised, his voice low. “For now, let’s just get through this evening.”

Before Taliya could press him further, a sudden commotion drew their attention. Sofia had managed to weave her way closer to the front, where the official ceremony was about to begin. “Oh my gosh, look at Alana’s dress!” Sofia exclaimed, holding up her phone. “It’s stunning! I need to get a close-up!”

Taliya bit her lip, feeling the weight of everything unsaid between her and Murad. But before she could say anything more, Ibrahim’s voice boomed over the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, a proud smile on his face. “We are gathered here to celebrate the engagement of my son, Faraz, to the lovely Alana. Let the festivities begin!”

The crowd erupted into polite applause, and Taliya felt Murad stiffen beside her. He clenched his jaw, but he forced a calm expression. “Come on,” he said to Taliya, his voice tight. “Let’s see what kind of show they’re putting on.”

Taliya followed him, her hand slipping into his as they navigated the crowd. The tension between them was palpable, but she knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.