119.

The soft hum of the car's engine was the only sound that filled the air as Faraz navigated the winding streets. Alana sat beside him, her hands clenched in her lap, unsure of what to expect. They had just left the engagement ceremony, where Mr. Hassan had given his approval for their union, much to Alana’s relief. The smiles, the congratulations—it had all felt like a blur. But now, in the quiet aftermath, the weight of Faraz's intentions began to settle in.

She glanced at him. His profile was unreadable, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.

"Faraz," she began softly, her voice hesitant, "Why are we going to Uncle Hashim’s right after the ceremony? Shouldn’t we be celebrating?"

He didn’t look at her. "We have business to discuss," he replied in a cool, even tone. "This isn’t just about the engagement, Alana. It’s about securing the future."

Alana furrowed her brow, confusion knitting her features. "What kind of business?"

Faraz’s lips curled into a faint smirk, though his eyes remained steely. "You’ll see soon enough."

Alana’s stomach tightened. Faraz had always been distant, but tonight, something about his manner was even colder than usual. The thought that they were driving to Uncle Hashim’s house, of all places, felt... ominous. They had just made their engagement official in front of Mr. Hassan, but now she wondered what Faraz truly wanted.

The car came to a stop in front of Uncle Hashim’s grand, old house. The lights were warm in the windows, but Alana couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest. Faraz was already getting out of the car before she could speak again. She took a deep breath and followed him, her heels clicking against the stone pathway as they approached the door.

Uncle Hashim opened the door before they even had a chance to knock, his eyes twinkling with warmth despite his serious demeanor. "Ah, Faraz, Alana," he greeted, stepping aside to let them in. "Come in, come in. I’ve prepared tea."

"Thank you, Uncle Hashim," Alana replied softly, her nerves suddenly on edge. The familiar, reassuring presence of her uncle couldn’t shake the unease building inside her.

Uncle Hashim led them into the sitting room, where Murad was already sitting with his arms crossed, his expression calm but attentive. Taliya, sitting beside him, looked up briefly and smiled at Alana in greeting.

Faraz walked over to a chair at the far end of the room, sitting down with a sharp, commanding air. He didn’t glance at Alana as he sat, and she hesitated for a moment before sitting down next to him.

Uncle Hashim poured tea into delicate porcelain cups, his movements slow and deliberate as he settled down in a chair opposite them. He took a sip before speaking, his voice steady and measured. "So, the engagement is official, yes? Mr. Hassan is pleased?"

"Yes, Uncle," Faraz answered, his voice businesslike. "He’s agreed to it."

Alana’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of her father, but she remained silent, feeling the tension in the room grow heavier with every passing moment.

Uncle Hashim set his cup down and leaned back in his chair, looking between Faraz and Murad. "Good," he said slowly. "Now that everything is settled, it’s time to discuss what’s next." His gaze shifted to Alana, his expression softening just a touch. "I’ve always wanted what’s best for you both—Faraz, Murad. You are my nephews, after all. And as you know, there are certain... responsibilities that come with your family’s legacy."

Faraz’s lips tightened as he met Uncle Hashim’s gaze, his posture stiffening. "What are you suggesting, Uncle?"

Uncle Hashim’s eyes gleamed, and for the first time, Alana felt a strange, almost conspiratorial air fill the room. "Your father’s shares," he began carefully, "are a valuable asset. But there are... complications with how things are structured. It would be wise, Faraz, to ensure that your names are on those shares. You and Murad. It would secure your futures."

Alana’s breath caught in her throat. She had no idea what they were talking about, but she could feel the weight of the conversation pressing down on her. Faraz, however, remained unfazed, his expression hard and calculating.

"And how do you suggest we do that?" Faraz asked, his voice low but laced with an edge of anticipation.

Uncle Hashim smiled, his gaze flicking briefly to Murad before returning to Faraz. "There’s a way to... move things around, discreetly. A small shift, nothing anyone would notice. The shares can be transferred to you both, quietly, without anyone raising an eyebrow. All it requires is a little finesse."

Murad spoke up then, his voice calm and steady. "You’re suggesting we move the shares under the radar. No one will be the wiser."

Faraz nodded slowly, understanding the implication. "And what do you want in return for this, Uncle?"

Uncle Hashim’s smile softened into something almost paternal. "Nothing, Faraz. I don’t want anything. I’ve watched you two grow, and I want what’s best for you. What’s coming is yours to take. Just... make sure you don’t waste the opportunity."

Faraz sat back in his chair, absorbing his uncle’s words. There was no catch, no hidden agenda. Uncle Hashim was offering them a chance—perhaps the only chance they would get—to truly secure their positions.

Alana sat silently, still trying to piece together the conversation, but Faraz’s next words caught her attention.

"It’s a done deal then," Faraz said, his voice resolute. "We’ll make sure it happens."

Uncle Hashim’s smile deepened. "Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page."

Alana felt the shift in the room, the finality of the decision settling in. Faraz had made a move, and there was no turning back. The future, it seemed, was already written for them. And she, unknowingly, had just become part of it.

As Faraz stood, ready to leave, he glanced at her. His eyes were cold, unreadable. "Come, Alana. It’s time to go."

She stood and followed him, her heart still heavy with confusion. They had just made a deal—one that would change everything. But for now, all she could do was follow Faraz’s lead, wherever it would take her.