It was Sunday.
And for the first time in months, Zafar didn't check his emails.
He didn't attend meetings.
He didn't sit in silence behind office walls.
He was barefoot in the grass.
Chasing Ezra's giggles.
Beside him, Zoha laughed like she hadn't in years—holding Ezra's tiny hand, letting him walk between her and Zafar as the little boy squealed with joy.
This wasn't just a picnic.
It was a family day.
The public park was quiet, hidden away from the city noise.
Zafar had reserved the space entirely—so no reporters, no cameras, no outsiders.
Just them.
And peace.
They laid out a soft checkered blanket, packed with Ezra's toys, Zoha's homemade sandwiches, and fresh lemonade.
Zafar didn't say much—but his eyes did.
Every time they landed on Zoha, there was a flicker of awe.
As if he couldn't believe someone so soft could survive his world… and choose to stay in it.
As Ezra napped in his stroller, Zoha rested her head on Zafar's shoulder.
The sun painted golden streaks across the sky.
"You're quiet," she whispered.
He looked down at her, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'm… happy," he said, his voice almost uncertain, like he wasn't used to the word.
Zoha smiled.
"You deserve it."
He kissed her forehead, and for the first time, Zafar believed her.
But peace doesn't go unnoticed.
And hate doesn't rest.
Across the city, Meher watched the leaked photo on her phone—Zafar holding Zoha's waist as they laughed.
"Cute," she sneered. "Let's see how happy they look after tonight."
She picked up her phone and dialed a number.
"Leak the false report. Send it to every major blog. I want her name dirty by midnight."
That night, as Zoha tucked Ezra in, her phone buzzed repeatedly.
Unknown Number:
"You homewrecker."
"Gold digger."
"How much did he pay you to play mommy?"
She stared, confused.
Then her phone lit up with notifications.
News Blog:"Mafia Tycoon's Assistant Accused of Breaking Family – Zafar Iqbal's Ex-Wife Speaks Out"
Social Feed:"Zoha Malik: The Woman Who Stole a Child's Father"
Her knees weakened.
Her breath caught.
But she didn't cry.
She walked straight to Zafar's office.
"Did you see this?" she asked, showing him the screen.
Zafar's face hardened.
Rage simmered beneath his skin.
"I'll destroy whoever—"
"No," she interrupted.
He looked at her, startled.
"I won't hide," she said. "And I won't be ashamed of loving you or Ezra."
Zafar stepped forward, wrapping her in his arms.
"You won't stand alone."
She held him tighter.
"Then let's fight this… together."