The lift doors slid closed, and the air inside turned heavy the moment Mr. Harith stepped in.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp silver hair and a designer suit that screamed old money and ego. His piercing gaze swept over Zain with disinterest… until it landed on Elena.
A flicker of recognition.
Then… amusement.
"Elena?" His voice was thick with mock surprise. "What are you doing in this building? Don't tell me you're dating your driver now?"
Zain stayed calm, his hands in his pockets. Elena, however, felt the heat rush to her cheeks.
Without thinking, she stepped closer to Zain and gently looped her arm around his. Zain glanced down at her in surprise, but said nothing. Her grip was tight. She was nervous.
"Mr. Harith," she greeted, her voice composed but distant.
"You've grown bolder," he said with a sneer. "Wandering into places you don't belong. This building isn't for... artists and contractors."
"I'm not wandering," she replied firmly. "We were invited."
"Invited? By who?" He chuckled. "Oh—let me guess. Your 'driver' must know someone important. That's cute."
He turned to Zain, who still said nothing.
"I'm here to meet the owner of this building. Apparently, he only grants meetings at the top floor. I've waited months. And you two just waltz in like it's a grocery store?"
Elena looked down, unsure how to answer. She tugged Zain's sleeve and whispered, "Let's go. Please."
Zain nodded once. "Sure."
The lift stopped at the next floor. Zain stepped out with Elena still clinging to his arm. Mr. Harith didn't even spare Zain another glance, shaking his head with quiet laughter as the doors closed again.
Retaliation in Silence
Once they were safely away from the lift, Elena let out a shaky breath.
"Thanks. I… I didn't know he'd be here."
Zain gave her a sideways look and smirked. "Neither did I. But since he is…"
He tapped something into his phone and walked briskly toward the lobby counter. Elena waited at the building's front steps, confused.
Zain leaned in to the concierge. "Mr. Harith, from Midas Group. Kick him out. Now. Tell him his meeting is canceled and the building is privately occupied today."
The receptionist blinked. "Sir… but he said he was—"
"He's not invited. Use security if you have to."
Zain gave the staff a nod and turned on his heel, satisfied.
"Let's get ice cream," he said to Elena, as if nothing had happened.
Waterfront Moments
Minutes later, they were sitting by the city waterfront, feet dangling over the edge of the stone platform. Elena licked at her strawberry cone while Zain casually munched on a double scoop of pistachio almond.
The evening breeze was cool, and the water glimmered with orange hues from the setting sun. Children laughed nearby. The chaos of the building seemed far away.
Elena finally smiled. "Thanks for today. You know, for not asking questions."
Zain shrugged. "I could ask. But I figured you'd rather talk about sprinkles than shadows."
She laughed softly. "You're not like other guys."
"Is that good or bad?"
"Haven't decided yet."
They both chuckled, and the moment almost felt perfect.
Until Elena's phone rang.
She glanced at the screen. The smile vanished from her face.
Zain noticed.
"Everything okay?"
Elena stood up slowly, holding the phone to her ear.
"Hello?"
A deep voice replied on the other end — calm but firm.
"Elena. It's Dad. I want you to come home. Now."
She froze.
"Why? What's going on?"
"Just come. Immediately."
The call ended.
Elena turned to Zain, her face pale.
"I… I have to go."
Zain stood. "Your dad?"
She nodded slowly, her thoughts spinning.
Something didn't feel right.