Chapter 25

Imran's POV...

I stared blankly at Kareem as he ranted on and on about how Laila came home later than usual in someone else's car. And somehow this is the same guy that keeps saying he doesn't love her and has no actual feelings for her.I sighed before leaning closer to his desk.

I wasn't listening to what he was saying. My mind was too fixed on Layan.

We meet up everyday, sometimes for work purposes and sometimes just to talk. I can't say I don't enjoy talking to her, in fact, I've grown really fond of her, something I didn't expect to happen so soon.

The sound of someone snapping their fingers brought me out of my thoughts as I looked up to see him.

"Are you listening? Anyways let's continue from where we stopped". Kareem said as he began flipping through the file.

...

I left Kareem's office soon after and began making my way to my office. Work hours would end soon and I'd get to see and speak to Layan, something I've been wanting to do this entire weekend.

I sighed before pushing open my office door and walking in. I glanced at the room before making my way to my desk and sitting down. I sighed one final time before opening the file before me.

...

I glanced at my watch, it was already past closing hours. What if Layan had already gone home? No, that's not possible. We usually leave together and go to the nearby café and talk for sometime before I drop her off.

I sighed and rubbed the bridge of my nose before getting up from my seat. I arranged the files neatly on the table before grabbing my phone and heading out of the office. I made my way towards Layan's office and once I arrived, I slowly pushed open the door.

Layan was the only one still at her desk, everyone else had gone home. I stood by the doorframe for a while, watching as her fingers flew over the keyboard. At times I wondered why she worked so late.

"It's a beautiful day today isn't it?" I asked as Layan's head swiftly turned towards the door and when she realised it was me, she slowly turned to face her desktop.

"You scared me". She whispered but still loud enough for me to hear. I smiled before approaching her desk.

"You know too much screen time isn't too good for your eyes". I said as I pulled out the office chair behind the desk next to Layan and sat on it, making it face her.

"Well I love my job, so that's why I'm still here", she said as she quickly typed in a few words before pushing the 'save' icon. "Done." She said as she threw her hands up and pushed her chair back. I sat there watching her in amusement, a small smile beginning to spread across my face.

I sighed as shook my head. This girl really was something. "Okay. Now that you're done, can we get going?" I asked as I got up from the chair.

"Yeah". She said as she shut down her desktop and also got up.

The two of us made our way out of the office and soon enough, we were outside. The sun was already almost fully gone by now and only a couple cars drove past .

"Should we still go to the café or should I just drop you off instead?" I asked her as we stood by the entrance.

"No it's fine". She said as we began walking towards the road that led to the café. We arrived there in a couple minutes and settled down at our usual spot.

" So, what's new with you?" I asked as I opened the menu

"Nothing much, what about you?" She asked as she also picked up the menu. I sighed before closing the menu. Nothing new was happening in my life except Kareem's really odd love life. I thought about telling her about the person that dropped Laila off and how Kareem was so annoyed about the whole thing. Maybe she might know something about it that would cool Kareem's temper?

"Well, there has been a lot going on lately". I said just as she looked up from the menu and shot me a questioning look.

"Like what?" She asked as she closed the menu and turned all her attention to me. Her curiosity about the whole situation intrigued me.

"Well it seems your sister has been annoying Kareem a lot lately..." I trailed off trying to look for the words. I watched as her curiosity soon faded away and turned to worry.

"What did she do?" Layan asked, leaning closer to the table.

"According to Kareem, Laila came back home a little later than usual and was dropped off by a guy. And Kareem didn't like that". I said as I also scooted my chair a bit closer to the table. I watched as Layan's expression slowly changed. She seemed to look a little confused or was she just taking in the information, I couldn't tell.

"Well, she could've sent a text or called, right?"

"Kareem said he didn't receive anything". I said as I crossed my arms over my chest. She didn't know about it? Hmm, that's strange.

"Well I'm pretty sure there's a good reason behind it, or else she should've called me..." Layan trailed off as her eyes fell on her hands.

I sighed, that got her attention." But shouldn't you be asking the question, why did Kareem get angry? You see, I've known Kareem since childhood and because of that I can tell you that Kareem has fallen in love with your sister".

"What?" She asked her brows arched. She looked a lot more adorable when confused.

"It's the truth. I know for sure that Kareem has fallen in love with your sister.

"I don't believe you". She stated simply but I was about to protest when her phone started ringing. "I've got to take this". She said before standing up and pulling her phone out of her pocket." Hello?" She said to the person on the other line as she took a few steps forward.

I watched her as she spoke to the person at the other end, an image of her standing not too far away from her sister at the entrance of her apartment came into view. Her long sky blue dress flowing in the wind along with her hair.

I shook my head slightly. As much as I wanted to deny the fact, I knew I was beginning to like her...

The sound of something falling against the tiles brought me out of my daze. I turned to the direction the sound had come from to see Layan standing with her hand in mid air.

I got up from my seat and approached her, putting my hand slightly on her shoulder. She flinched and turned around to see me.

"What happened? Are you okay?" I asked, concern evident in my voice. Her eyes were watery.

"I need to go". Was all she said before she turned around and walked off. I bent down to pick up her phone, the screen was cracked. But that's not what bothered me the most...she had tears in her eyes