《Before He Kills Me: Before he kills her, he'll love her》


 Tedious Game Of Pretend

    A sleek, black limousine glided to a smooth stop in front of the grand entrance of the luxurious event venue, the iconic Golden Globe Theater. The bright lights of the sun danced across the polished exterior of the limousine, casting a warm glow over the scene. Reporters and photographers swarmed the red carpet, their cameras and microphones at the ready. The air was electric with anticipation, the crowd buzzing with excitement as they waited for the guest of honor to emerge. A tall, imposing figure in a crisp, black suit stepped out of the limousine and opened the rear door, revealing a vision of loveliness within. A delicate, black shiny stiletto shoe emerged first, followed by another, as Meesha, the stunning celebrity model, stepped out onto the red carpet. Meesha''s face was a breathtaking masterpiece of beautiful, delicate features. Her slender nose and gentle eyes gave her an angelic appearance, as if she had descended from heaven itself to bless the gathered crowd with her presence. Her pink lips were shaped like a heart, the lower lip curving upward in a subtle, adorable smile. A tiny dark mole dotted the skin beside her eye, a subtle yet radiant detail. A long, brown flowy wig cascaded down her back, reaching her lower back and framing her small face perfectly. Meesha''s stunning gown was a custom-made, red, silk masterpiece that hugged her curves in all the right places. The fitted, mermaid-style dress showcased her slender waist and flared out at the hips, creating a dramatic, flowing effect. A daring slit reached up to her thigh, giving a tantalizing glimpse of her toned leg. The off-the-shoulder design framed her shoulders perfectly, and the delicate, red straps that covered her arms added a touch of elegance to the overall design. As Meesha stepped onto the red carpet, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of camera clicks and shouted questions. "Meesha, how does it feel to be the guest of honor of this event?" "Meesha, who are you wearing tonight?" "Meesha, can we get a smile?" Meesha smiled graciously at the cameras, her gentle eyes shining with warmth. Her hips swayed elegantly from side to side as she walked down the red carpet, her movements elegant and refined. "I''m feeling wonderful, thank you for asking," Meesha replied to one of the reporters, her voice sweet and melodious. "I''m wearing a custom-made gown by the talented designer, Jane Finn." Meesha continued on her way, leaving a trail of admiring glances and whispered comments in her wake. As she entered the Golden Globe Theater, Meesha was surrounded by a sea of familiar faces, all of whom were dressed to the nines in their finest attire. The men were dashing in their tuxedos, while the women were stunning in their designer gowns. Meesha''s personal assistant and friend, Kira, followed closely behind her, expertly fielding questions from the reporters and keeping a watchful eye on Meesha as she navigated the crowded room. As Meesha made her way through the throng of guests, she was stopped by a famous actress named Hailey, who smiled warmly and said, "Meesha, darling, you look absolutely breathtaking tonight. I''m so thrilled to see you." Meesha smiled graciously and replied, her voice lacking any sincerity. "Thank you, dear. You''re looking stunning yourself. I love your gown." Hailey laughed and said, "Thank you, sweetie. I was hoping to make a statement tonight." As Meesha walked away from her, she couldn''t help but sneer. She and Hailey had gotten into a disagreement before, and were both at war point. But seeing the frenzy of cameras and reporters, Hailey put on an act, pretending to be in good terms with Meesha to strengthen her own reputation. Meesha continued to mingle with the other celebrities, a practiced smile plastered on her face. She was aware of the admiring glances and whispered comments that followed her everywhere she went. She was used to being the center of attention anywhere she went. Meesha navigated the crowded room with ease, exchanging perfunctory smiles and air kisses with the other celebrities. She had been to countless events like this before, and the glamour had long since worn off. To her, it was all just a tedious game of pretend. As the ceremony began, Meesha took her seat, surveying the room with a jaded gaze. The host, a charismatic comedian, launched into a witty monologue, but Meesha''s expression remained impassive. She had heard it all before. But as the host began to introduce the next segment, Meesha''s attention snapped back to the stage. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest of honor, the stunning Meesha!" Meesha rose from her seat, her movements fluid and deliberate. A handsome, tuxedo-clad man appeared at her side, offering his arm to help her up the stairs to the stage. As Meesha reached the microphone, the host handed it to her with a charming smile. "Meesha, you look absolutely breathtaking tonight. Please, say a few words to our audience." Meesha''s voice was confident and clear as she began to speak her practiced lines. "Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for having me here tonight. I''m not one for grand speeches, so I''ll keep it brief. To everyone watching at home, thank you for your support. And to my team, thank you for putting up with me." The audience applauded politely as Meesha handed the microphone back to the host. She descended the stairs, her expression unchanging. The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur of awards presentations, musical performances, and heartfelt acceptance speeches. Meesha watched it all with a detached air, her mind wandering to more interesting things. As the ceremony drew to a close, the guests began to mingle once more, chatting and laughing as they sipped their drinks and enjoyed the music. Meesha, however, didn''t feel like mingling. She stood by the wall, twirling a drink in a delicate, crystal flute, her eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of disinterest and disdain. Meanwhile, a man stood across the room, chatting with a group of guests. But as he spoke, his eyes kept darting to Meesha, his gaze raking over her body and lingering on the high slit of her gown. He seemed to be undressing her with his eyes, and Meesha could feel his gaze like a physical touch. He decided to approach her. As the man walked towards Meesha, she caught sight of him and scoffed, turning her face away. But the man didn''t seem to notice her dismissal. He walked up to her, a smile spreading across his face. "Meesha, you look absolutely stunning tonight," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I''m Max, by the way. I couldn''t help but notice you from across the room." Meesha raised an eyebrow, her expression cool and uninterested. "And?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "And I was wondering if I could get you a drink," he said, his eyes darting lustfully to her body. "Maybe we could talk for a bit?" Meesha snorted, rolling her eyes. "I have my own drink, thank you very much," she said, her voice icy. "And I''m not really interested in talking."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

 Chapter 2: Ill Wait For Him

    Max sidled up to Meesha, his eyes locked on hers. "You know, you''re even more beautiful up close," he said, his voice low.


    Meesha raised an eyebrow, her expression dismissive. "Thanks," she said, her voice sarcastic.


    But Max didn''t seem to notice her disinterest. He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a dirty tone. "I bet you''d look even better without that dress on," he whispered.


    Meesha''s eyes narrowed, her annoyance growing. "Excuse me?"


    Max just chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I''m serious," he said. "I''d pay top dollar to see you naked."


    Meesha''s face twisted in disgust, but Max just kept going. "In fact, I''d pay you five million dollars to serve me for a day," he said, his voice dripping with entitlement. "It''s a reasonable amount, isn''t it? Don''t worry, it''ll be our own little secret."


    Meesha''s eyes widened, feeling belittled and annoyed. But Max just thought she was stunned by the amount.


    Meesha''s anger boiled over, and she raised her hand, slapping Max across the face with all her might. The sound echoed through the room, and the crowd''s attention turned to them.


    "How dare you," Max roared, his eyes blazing with fury.


    Meesha''s eyes flashed, and she threw her drink in Max''s face, the liquid splashing across his expensive tuxedo. "You''re just a disgusting pig," she spat.


    Max felt outraged, and was about to retort, but Meesha, driven by anger, raised her diamond-encrusted purse, hitting Max squarely on the face.


    The crowd gasped in shock as Meesha continued to hit Max with her purse, the diamonds glinting in the light. The security guards rushed over, trying to pull her away, but Meesha struggled against them, her purse still flying up and down on Max''s face. "Miss, please calm down," one of them said.


    "Get your hands off me!" she yelled, her voice rising to a shrill as she shook off the security guards.


    Finally, the security guards managed to pull Meesha away, but not before she landed one final blow to Max''s face. He stumbled backward, clutching his injured face, fuming.


    "I think it''s time for you to leave," one of the security guards said, firmly grasping Max''s arm.


    Max gritted his teeth, his pores radiating with anger. "Meesha, you bitch! You''ll pay for this."


    Max struggled, but eventually, he was dragged away, still shouting insults at Meesha.


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    The crowd was stunned, unable to believe that the gentle, delicate Meesha could act so impulsively. They whispered among themselves, shocked by the sudden outburst of violence.


    Meesha glanced around the room, her eyes meeting the stunned gazes of the other guests.


    With a dismissive sniff, Meesha turned and walked away, leaving the shocked crowd to whisper among themselves.


    As Meesha stepped out of the theater, her bodyguards fell into step behind her, their eyes scanning the crowded sidewalk. The driver of her limousine hurried to open the door, and Meesha slid into the plush interior, her gown rustling softly.


    The driver closed the door behind her, and Meesha gave him instructions to take her to the modeling studio for her next photo shoot. As the limousine glided through the crowded streets, Meesha pulled out her phone and dialed her personal assistant, Kira. But Kira didn''t answer, and Meesha wondered what had happened.


    The photo shoot was a blur of flashing lights and posing, but Meesha went through the motions with her usual professionalism. When it was finally over, she retreated to her dressing room, touching up her makeup and changing into a more comfortable outfit.


    Just as she was finishing up, Kira burst into the room, her face filled with concern. "Meesha, I heard what happened at the Golden Globes," she said, rushing over to her friend. "Are you okay?"


    Meesha didn''t say anything, and just nodded.


    Kira hugged Meesha''s head, patting her hair. "Oh, my poor friend. You''ve become so aggressive ever since Xanqer left you two years ago."


    Meesha rested her head on Kira''s shoulder, a sad pout appearing on her face. Kira continued, her voice soft with concern. "You used to be so gentle and kind. You never got into fights, and you always forgave easily. The Meesha I know always walked around with a smile on her face. But now, you barely even smile."


    Meesha''s expression was solemn, her eyes clouding over. "Life hasn''t given me a reason to smile," she said, her voice barely audible.


    Kira was taken aback. "Life hasn''t given you a reason to smile? Meesha, don''t you remember how you suddenly skyrocketed to fame after your first photo launch? You were on the cover of every major fashion magazine, and you walked the runway for top designers. You''ve won numerous awards, including the coveted Golden Globe. And you''re one of the highest-paid models in the industry. What more could you want?"


    Meesha''s gaze dropped, her eyes welling up. "Do you think I like being a star? Do you think I''m happy? I''m just pretending for the camera. It''s all a facade."


    Kira''s eyes widened in surprise. "But Meesha, you''ve always wanted to become a star. You worked so hard to get to where you are today."


    Meesha''s expression twisted in pain. "Not now that Xanqer''s gone," she whispered, her voice cracking.


    Kira''s face softened, and she wrapped her arms around Meesha, holding her close. "I''m so sorry, Meesha. I had no idea you were still hurting so much."


    Meesha''s body shook with silent sobs, and Kira held her, letting her cry. The room was silent, the only sound Meesha''s quiet weeping.


    Then in a sudden movement of recomposition, Meesha sat upright, dabbing an handkerchief around her eyes, her expression serene as though she had never cried.


    Seeing she had recovered, Kira decided to speak up. "It''s been years since Xanqer left," Kira said, her voice gentle. "I think it''s time for you to let go. He''s not coming back, Meesha."


    Meesha''s eyes swept to the mirror, gazing intently at her reflection. "I''ll wait for him," she said, her voice firm.


    Kira shook her head, heaving a deep sigh. "Meesha, you can''t spend the rest of your life waiting for someone who may never return. You need to move on," she urged, her voice soothing. "And even if he does return, he might not pay any attention to you, just like he used to. And you''ll be heartbroken all over again."


    Meesha''s eyes cast downwards, her face etched with sadness. "Even if he ignores me, it''s better than not seeing him at all," she said.


    Kira felt bad, especially when Meesha gets emotional. "Meesha, you need to move on," she said, her voice persistent.


    Meesha shook her head, her heart aching at the thought of moving on without Xanqer.


    Kira''s eyes sparkled with determination as she declared, "I''ve already set you up on a blind date this afternoon." Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.


    Meesha''s eyes widened in dismay. "Not again."


    Then, her voice rising in protest, she exclaimed, "I won''t go!" Her face set in a stubborn expression, she turned to glare at Kira.


    But as their eyes met, Meesha felt a shiver run down her spine. Kira''s gaze was unwavering, her determination glinting like steel in her eyes. Meesha''s bravado faltered, and for a moment, she felt a twinge of fear.


    Thirty minutes later~


    Meesha found herself being pulled into the cafe by a relentless Kira.


    As Kira dragged her through the doorway, Meesha tried to dig her heels into the floor, but Kira''s grip was too strong. Her fingers wrapped around Meesha''s wrist like a vice, refusing to let go.


    "Kira, let go of me!" Meesha pleaded, t


    rying to wriggle free. But Kira just smiled sweetly and propelled her forward, into the unknown.

 Chapter 3: Blind Date

    Meesha''s heart was racing as she was pulled deeper into the caf¨¦. She had no idea what lay ahead, but she knew one thing for sure - she was not ready to let go of Xanqer.


    As they approached the table, Kira released her grip on Meesha''s arm. Meesha straightened herself, her elegant posture a testament to her modeling training. Kira nodded towards the man seated at the table. "That''s your blind date over there," she said, a smile on her face.


    Meesha said, "Kira, I''ve told you I''m not interested in blind dates."


    Kira''s expression turned stubborn. "I don''t care. Go there right now."


    Meesha hesitated, and Kira''s eyes glinted with a warning. "Do you want me to pull you there?"


    Meesha shook her head, remembering the steel-like grip Kira had exhibited earlier. "Okay, I''ll go," she said, resigned.


    With a smile, Kira released Meesha, and she made her way to the table. Her heels clicked on the floor, and the man looked up, noticing her approach. He stood up, a charming smile spreading across his face, and extended his hand for a handshake.


    Meesha''s eyes scanned him, taking in his tailored suit and confident demeanor. He looked like a businessman, but Meesha wasn''t impressed. She ignored his outstretched hand and pulled out the chair, sitting down with a jaded look on her face.


    The man didn''t take offense, instead, he sat down, his smile still plastered on his face. "Hi, I''m Ryan," he said, introducing himself. "I''m the CEO of Smith and Co."


    Meesha raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "That''s nice," she said. "And how much is your net worth?" she asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity.


    Ryan''s eyes widened, taken aback by her blunt question. But he recovered quickly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I''d say it''s around $150 million," he replied, his voice confident.


    Meesha''s eyebrows shot up, a look of satisfaction crossing her face. She leaned back in her seat, sipping her coffee, her eyes never leaving Ryan''s face.


    The air was thick with tension, and Ryan seemed taken aback by Meesha''s forthright demeanor. But Meesha didn''t care; she was determined to make this blind date as uncomfortable as possible.


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    Ryan tried to make conversation, asking Meesha about her interests and hobbies. But Meesha''s attitude and expression remained indifferent, her face a mask of boredom. She replied to his questions with monosyllabic answers, her voice devoid of enthusiasm.


    Ryan, however, seemed determined to break through Meesha''s defenses. He asked her about her modeling career, and Meesha shrugged, her shoulders barely rising off the chair. "It''s okay, I guess," she said, her voice dripping with apathy.


    Ryan''s eyes sparkled with amusement, but Meesha''s expression remained unyielding. He tried again, asking her about her favorite travel destinations. Meesha sighed, her eyes rolling heavenward. "I don''t really have one," she said, her voice flat.


    The conversation was stilted, with Ryan trying to draw Meesha out and Meesha resisting his efforts. The air was thick with tension, and Ryan''s smile began to falter. But he refused to give up, asking Meesha question after question in an attempt to break through her defenses.


    Meesha, however, remained unmoved. She sipped her coffee, her expression a mask of indifference.


    Ryan tried and tried to impress Meesha, but she remained unmoved. He told her about his business ventures, his philanthropic efforts, and his love of adventure. But Meesha''s expression remained indifferent, her eyes fixed on some point beyond Ryan''s shoulder.


    Just when Ryan thought he was getting nowhere, Meesha suddenly spoke up. "Do you really have what it takes to date me?" she asked, her voice dripping with challenge.


    Ryan was taken aback by her question, but he quickly recovered. "Yes, I do," he said, his confidence unwavering.


    Meesha raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Okay, you''ll have some responsibilities then."


    Ryan''s eyes narrowed, unsure of what Meesha had in mind. "Responsibilities?" he repeated, his voice cautious.


    Meesha nodded, her expression serious. "Yes. Can you take care of them?" she asked, her eyes glinting with challenge.


    Ryan hesitated for a moment, unsure of what he was getting himself into. But his desire to impress Meesha won out in the end. "Yes, I will," he said, his voice firm. "I''ll give you anything you want.


    Meesha tilted her head satisfactorily. "Okay. I''ll list them out for you."


    Ryan''s eyes widened, unsure of what he had just gotten himself into. But he was determined to see it through, no matter what.


    Meesha leaned forward, "First, my daily skincare routine costs $100," she said, her voice matter-of-fact.


    Ryan nodded, his eyes widening slightly at the cost. "Okay," he said, his voice cautious.


    Meesha smiled, a hint of triumph in her eyes. "That''s not all," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "I have a whole list of requirements that you''ll need to fulfill if you want to date me."


    Ryan''s leaned forward, his eyes locked on Meesha''s. "I''m ready," he said, his voice firm. "Tell me the rest."


    Meesha smiled, "I also require a personal shopping assistant to help me pick out outfits and accessories, with a budget of $10,000 per month."


    Ryan''s eyes widened, but he nodded. "I can handle that."


    Meesha continued, "I also take spa treatments twice a week with a budget of $50,000 per month."


    Ryan''s eyes nearly popped out of his head, but he nodded again. "I''ll make it happen."


    "I also pay my assistant $8,000 per month, can you handle it?" she asked, her eyebrow arched.


    Ryan hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Yes, I can handle it."


    Meesha''s smiled. "And finally, I require a luxury car, such as a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW, with a budget of $100,000 per year."


    Ryan''s eyes were wide with shock, but he nodded again. "I''ll buy you the car," he said, his voice firm.


    Meesha leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. "Good," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "I''m glad we understand each other."


    As Ryan''s eyes looked into Meesha''s, he felt a twinge of uncertainty. It was a lot of responsibility, after all. But he pushed the doubt aside and asked, "So, does this mean we''re officially a couple now?"


    "Not yet," she said sharply, her voice dripping with nonchalance. "I''ll decide on that later."


    Ryan felt a pang of disappointment, but he nodded anyway. Meesha stood up, her movements graceful and fluid. "I''ll leave now," she said, her voice dismissive.


    Ryan watched as she walked out of the caf¨¦, her sky-blue hair catching the sunlight. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, but also a sense of uncertainty. What had he just gotten himself into?

 Chapter 4: Not In The Same Book

    Meesha walked out of the caf¨¦, expecting to see her car and bodyguards waiting for her. But to her surprise, they were nowhere to be found. She looked around, feeling a sense of unease. Where was Kira? And where was her car?


    Just then, her phone rang. It was Kira. "Hey, Meesha. I took your car on purpose. You need to ask Ryan for a ride home."


    Meesha''s eyes widened in surprise. "Kira, what are you doing?!"


    But Kira just laughed and disconnected the call. Meesha sighed, feeling frustrated. She looked through her phone to book an Uber ride, but before she could even open the app, she was surrounded by a group of fans.


    They recognized her as Meesha, the famous model, and they began to swarm around her, asking for autographs and selfies. Meesha panicked, feeling overwhelmed. She didn''t have her bodyguards with her, and she was completely alone.


    Just as she was starting to feel like she was going to get trampled, Ryan appeared out of nowhere. "Meesha, do you need a ride home?" he asked, his eyes scanning the crowd.


    Meesha hesitated, unsure of what to do. She didn''t want to go with Ryan, but she also didn''t want to get mobbed by the crowd. She remembered what happened the last time she stepped out without her bodyguards - she was chased down the street and didn''t even get to buy her groceries.


    With a sigh, Meesha nodded. "Okay, fine. I''ll go with you." Ryan smiled and offered her his arm, leading her through the crowd to his car. Meesha felt relieved but as she got into the car, she felt a strong sense of annoyance.


    As they drove through the city, Meesha gazed out the window, her expression still indifferent. Ryan tried to make conversations, asking her about her favorite music and movies. But Meesha''s responses were monosyllabic, her voice devoid of enthusiasm.


    "So, what kind of music do you like?" Ryan asked, trying to sound casual.


    Meesha ignored him, leading directions instead. "Turn left."


    Ryan chuckled, pretending not to notice her indifference. "Well, I''m a big fan of classical music. There''s something about the complexity and beauty of it that really speaks to me."


    Meesha raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "You''re one of those guys who thinks classical music is sophisticated, huh?"


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    Ryan laughed. "Guilty as charged. But hey, being sophisticated isn''t a bad thing, right?"


    Meesha rolled her eyes.


    The conversation continued in this vein, with Ryan trying to draw Meesha out and Meesha responding with indifference. Ryan began to feel frustrated, wondering if he was ever going to get through to her.


    As they approached Meesha''s house, Ryan asked, "So, can I see you again sometime this week?"


    Meesha replied. "Maybe."


    Ryan felt a pang of disappointment, but he tried to stay positive. "Okay, Goodnight."


    Meesha replied, her expression still indifferent. "Whatever."


    Ryan sighed inwardly, wondering if he was ever going to get Meesha to open up to him. But he was determined to try, no matter how frustrating it might be.


    ******


    [THE NEXT DAY]


    Meesha stepped out of the venue, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She had just finished a long photoshoot, and all she wanted to do was go home and collapse onto her bed.


    Ryan, who had been waiting for her outside, fell into step beside her. "Hey Meesha, how was your day?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.


    Meesha shrugged, feeling a sense of wariness. She still wasn''t sure what to make of Ryan, with his charming smile and his easy confidence. "It was fine," she said, her voice neutral.


    Ryan nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I''m glad to hear that," he said. "I was worried you might be stressed out from the photoshoot."


    Meesha raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of surprise. How did he know about the photoshoot? "How did you know I had a photoshoot today?" she asked, her voice curious.


    Ryan smiled. "Your manager told me about it."


    Meesha shook her head, sighing to herself.


    As they walked, Ryan suddenly slung his arm around Meesha''s shoulders. Meesha immediately tensed up, feeling a sense of discomfort. She didn''t like being touched without her permission, and Ryan''s arm around her shoulders felt like an invasion of her personal space.


    "Hey, what''s wrong?" Ryan asked, noticing Meesha''s stiffness.


    Meesha pushed his arm off her shoulders. "Don''t do that," she said, her voice firm.


    Ryan looked taken aback. "Do what?" he asked, his eyes innocent.


    Meesha glared at him. "Put your arm around me like we''re a couple or something. We''re not even dating."


    Ryan held up his hands. "Sorry, sorry. I just got a little carried away."


    Meesha''s eyes narrowed. "Just remember, Ryan. I don''t like being touched without my permission. Got it?"


    Ryan nodded, his eyes serious. "Got it," he said. "I won''t touch you again without asking first."


    Meesha raised an eyebrow, and continued walking.


    In the car, as Ryan drove, he turned to Meesha and said, "So, I was thinking. We should start making plans for our future together. Maybe we can start looking for a place to live together?"


    Meesha''s eyes widened in shock. "What? Ryan, we''ve only known each other for a few days. We''re not even officially dating yet."


    Ryan waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, don''t worry about that. I know we''re meant to be together. And I''ve already started making plans for our future."


    Meesha''s voice was icy. "You''ve already started making plans? Without even asking me what I want?"


    Ryan looked taken aback. "Well, I just assumed...I mean, I thought we were on the same page."


    Meesha''s eyes narrowed. "We''re not even in the same book, Ryan."


    Ryan looked at Meesha, his eyes filled with regret. "Meesha, I''m really sorry. I didn''t mean to hurt your feelings. Can I make it up to you?"


    Meesha''s expression softened slightly. Maybe Ryan wasn''t as clueless as she thought.


    But just as she was starting to feel a little more charitable towards him, Ryan opened his mouth again. "Do you want to grab dinner with me tonight? I promise I won''t make any more assumptions."


    Meesha''s voice rose. "Ryan, you''re not even listening to me. I just told you how much I hate your plans without consulting me first, and now you''re asking me out to dinner like nothing''s wrong?"


    Ryan looked taken aback. "I thought we were past that. I thought we were moving on."


    Meesha''s voice was firm. "We''re not past anything, Ryan. And we''re definitely not moving on."


    Meesha reached her house and exited his car.

 Chapter 5: Shes My Girlfriend

    *********


    [THE NEXT EVENING]


    Meesha stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out her dress and checking her hair. She was excited to go out with Daniel tonight. Every Friday night, they always had so much fun together. After Kira and Ava, he was her only friend she could open up to.


    As she walked outside, she saw Daniel standing next to his car, a smile on his face. "Hey, beautiful!" he exclaimed, opening his arms for a hug.


    Meesha rolled her eyes good-naturedly and walked into his arms. "Hey, Daniel," she said, hugging him briefly before pulling back.


    Daniel looked at her with admiration. "You look stunning tonight," he said, his eyes scanning her face.


    Meesha smiled. "Thanks, Daniel. You don''t look so bad yourself."


    As they got into the car, Daniel asked, "So, what''s the plan for tonight?"


    Meesha skimmed through her mind. "I don''t know. What did you have in mind?"


    Daniel suggested. "I was thinking we could go grab some dinner and then see a movie."


    Meesha nodded. "Sounds good."


    As they drove to the restaurant, Meesha pulled out her phone and started texting. Daniel glanced over at her. "Who are you texting?" he asked, his voice casual.


    Meesha looked up, waving off his question. "It''s just a guy named Ryan."


    Daniel''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Who''s that?" he asked, his voice a little sharper.


    Meesha replied, her tone neutral. "He''s the guy Kira set me up with, for a blind date."


    Daniel''s eyes widened slightly. Blind date? Who was this guy, and why was he trying to date Meesha?


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    Meesha continued, oblivious to Daniel''s growing unease. "I don''t even like him, but he keeps bothering me."


    Daniel''s face darkened. Who dared to come between him and Meesha? He felt a surge of possessiveness, and his eyes narrowed.


    But he pushed the feeling aside, trying to keep the conversation light. "Well, maybe we can help you get rid of him," he said, trying to sound casual.


    Meesha laughed. "I don''t know, Daniel. He''s pretty persistent."


    Daniel''s eyes flashed with determination. He would make sure that Ryan left Meesha alone. No one was going to bother her, not while he was around.


    As they pulled up to the restaurant, Daniel turned off the engine and turned to Meesha. "Let''s go get some dinner," he said, smiling at her.


    Meesha nodded, and they got out of the car, walking into the restaurant together. Daniel couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he walked beside Meesha. She was safe with him, and he would do whatever it took to keep her that way.


    *****


    [THE NEXT DAY]


    Daniel walked into the upscale coffee shop, scanning the room for Ryan. He spotted him sitting at a table, sipping on a cup of coffee. Daniel''s eyes narrowed, and he made his way over to the table.


    "Ryan," Daniel said, his voice firm and commanding. "We need to talk."


    Ryan looked up, a hint of surprise on his face. "Can I help you?" he asked, his voice neutral.


    Daniel sat down across from Ryan, his eyes locked on the other man''s face. "I''m here to talk to you about Meesha," he said, his voice low and even.


    Ryan''s expression changed, a hint of curiosity on his face. "Meesha? What about her?" he asked, his voice cautious.


    Daniel''s eyes flashed with possessiveness. "She''s my girlfriend," he said, his voice firm. "And I don''t appreciate you pursuing her."


    Ryan raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise on his face. "Your girlfriend? But...I''ve been on dates with her. She never mentioned you."


    Daniel''s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "That''s because she''s a private person," he said, his voice tense. "But trust me, she''s mine. And I won''t let anyone come between us."


    Ryan''s expression changed, a hint of skepticism on his face. "I see," he said, his voice slow. "Well, if she''s your girlfriend, then why did she go on dates with me?"


    Daniel''s eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his cool. "That''s none of your business," he said, his voice firm. "But let''s just say that Meesha can take care of herself. And she doesn''t need guys like you trying to pursue her."


    Ryan''s face darkened, a hint of anger on his face. "And who are you to tell me what to do?" he asked, his voice rising.


    Daniel''s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "I''m Meesha''s boyfriend, and I''ll do whatever it takes to protect her." He repeated, his voice deadly, "Whatever."


    Ryan''s expression changed, a hint of unease on his face. A thought of realization flickered that Daniel was not a man to be underestimated.


    After a tense moment of silence, Ryan stood up. "Fine," he said, "I''ll leave her alone."


    Daniel''s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "You made the right decision," he said, his voice firm.


    Ryan turned and hastily walked away, leaving Daniel sitting at the table, his eyes still narrowed in a fierce glare.


    ******


    Meesha sat in front of the mirror, adjusting her makeup when Ryan''s call pierced the silent the air. "Meesha! I''m sorry for bothering you. I didn''t know you had a boyfriend. I''ll never bother you again!"


    Meesha was taken aback, her eyes filled with surprise.


    When did she have a boyfriend?


    As Meesha opened her mouth, about to speak, Ryan cut in. "As of now, I won''t bother you anymore. I''ll cut all ties. Goodbye."


    Then the call ended with two consecutive beeps. Meesha stared down at the phone, her brows furrowing in confusion.


    Meesha was still feeling a mix of perplexity and confusion when Kira suddenly rushed into the dressing room with a bright smile on her face.


    "Meesha, I have incredible news!" Kira exclaimed, hardly containing her excitement.


    Meesha turned to face her, curiosity etched on her face. "What is it?"


    "You''ve been offered the role of brand ambassador for Jurah, the worldwide perfume company!" Kira announced, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.


    Meesha''s eyes widened in awe. She knew Jurah well - their unique fragrances had captivated the globe. "Really? They want me as their brand ambassador?" she asked with disbelief.

 Chapter 6: Not Up To My Class

    Kira nodded vigorously. "Yes. And with this partnership, you''ll gain international recognition and fans from all over the world - Uganda, Europe, China, France, Nigeria, and even Antarctica! Their shareholders are global, and this will catapult your career to new heights."


    Meesha''s face radiant with joy. "This is amazing. I''ve always admired Jurah''s commitment to quality and innovation. I can''t believe I''m going to be the next face of Jurah."


    Kira beamed with pride. "I knew you''d be perfect for this. And to top it off, they''ve scheduled a meeting for 12 PM today to discuss the details. I''ve already confirmed your availability."


    Meesha rushed to Kira, embracing and flattering her. "Thank you, Kira. You''re the best manager in the whole world. I don''t know what I''d do without you."


    Kira chuckled, patting Meesha''s back. For a moment, she saw the lively Meesha she had always known a year ago. "You''re welcome, sweetie. I''ll go select the perfect outfit for the meeting. We want to make a stunning impression."


    Meesha stepped back, her composure returning. "What should I wear? Something elegant and sophisticated?"


    "Exactly," Kira replied. "I''ll choose something that exudes confidence and glamour. Trust me, you''ll dazzle them."


    As Kira exited the dressing room, Meesha couldn''t help but feel a twinge of excitement. This partnership would change her career forever.


    [THE NEXT DAY]


    Meesha entered the luxurious Jurah headquarters, her confidence boosted by Kira''s expert styling. In the elegant lobby, a receptionist greeted her warmly and escorted her to a spacious conference room.


    Inside, Julian Saint Clair, Jurah''s charismatic CEO, stood to greet her. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with gratefulness as he shook her hand.


    "Miss Dasilva, I''m delighted to meet you. We''re thrilled you accepted our offer."


    Meesha smiled, taking a seat. "The pleasure''s mine, Mr. Saint Clair. I admire Jurah''s innovative approach."


    Julian leaned back in his chair, steeping his fingers. "We''re glad you''re on board. Your unique style and charisma will shine in our upcoming campaign."


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    "We''re launching Fire&Ice, a revolutionary new fragrance," he continued. "And we''ve planned an extraordinary advertisement ¨C a collaboration with Vanessa, the renowned actress."


    Meesha asked stunned, "Vanessa? The Vanessa?"


    Julian chuckled. "The one and only. She''ll play Fire, while you embody Ice. Your elegance and poise make you the perfect fit for Ice."


    Meesha felt a surge of excitement and tried to keep it in, maintaining her poise exterior. "I''m truly honored. Working with Vanessa is a dream."


    Julian praised, "Your icy beauty will contrast stunningly with Vanessa''s fiery passion. The chemistry will be electric."


    He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Meesha, your porcelain skin, blue hair, and sapphire eyes make you a living embodiment of Ice. You''ll captivate audiences worldwide."


    Meesha replied. "Thank you, Mr. Saint Clair. I won''t disappoint."


    Julian smiled. "I''m confident you won''t. Our team will guide you through the advertisement shoot. You''ll shine alongside Vanessa."


    As the meeting concluded, Meesha left the Jurah headquarters, her mind buzzing with excitement. She met Kira, who was waiting for her by the car, and shared the good news with her. Collaborating with Vanessa on Fire&Ice''s advertisement would be an unforgettable experience.


    *********


    [FEW DAYS LATER]


    The luxurious studio was abuzz with activity as Meesha arrived with Kira by her side. Julian Saint Clair greeted Meesha warmly and escorted her to the elegant set designed for Fire&Ice. The set was a masterpiece of contrasts, with flames dancing on one side and ice crystals shimmering on the other.


    As they sat on a plush couch, surrounded by the bustling crew, Julian began to explain the concept of Fire&Ice. "It''s more than a perfume," he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It''s an experience. Its unique formula adapts to the wearer''s personality, environment, and attire."


    Meesha''s curiosity was piqued, and she leaned in. "How does it work?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.


    Julian leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Imagine wearing something smoky and hot ¨C the perfume will amplify that sensuality. But if you wear something gentle and elegant, it will evoke a softer, purer scent."


    Meesha''s eyes widened in amazement. "That''s incredible," she breathed. "It''s like the perfume has a mind of its own."


    Julian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Exactly," he said. "Fire&Ice reflects the wearer''s inner character. If you embody smoky passion, it will intensify that aroma. If you exude icy elegance, it will mirror that serenity."


    Just then, the studio door swung open, and Vanessa Hauls swept in, flanked by her imposing bodyguards. Her luxurious furry coat shimmered in the bright lights, commanding attention. Vanessa''s gaze locked onto Meesha, and her expression faltered. She was taken aback by Meesha''s breathtaking beauty.


    Meesha''s soft, gentle eyes sparkled like diamonds, and her innocent beauty radiated an ethereal glow. Her sky-blue hair cascaded down her shoulders like a river of silk, framing her face.


    "Who is she?" Vanessa demanded, her voice laced with disdain. Her manager, Rachel, stepped forward, a hint of apology in her voice.


    "She''s Meesha Dasilva, a renowned model representing Ice in the advertisement," Rachel explained.


    Vanessa''s eyes narrowed, jealousy simmering beneath her poised exterior. She had always believed she was the most stunning woman in the industry.


    Then, Julian Saint Clair noticed Vanessa, and walked over to greet her.


    "Vanessa, welcome!" Julian exclaimed, extending a warm handshake.


    Meesha also stepped forward, a hint of enthusiasm in her voice. "Hi, Vanessa. It''s such an honor to finally meet you and collaborate with you."


    Vanessa''s expression twisted into a sneer. "Who is this... thing?" she spat, her voice dripping with contempt.


    Kira, unhappy with Vanessa''s reaction, intervened, her voice firm but polite. "This is Meesha Dasilva, your partner in the advertisement."


    Vanessa''s gaze raked over Meesha, disdain evident in every line of her face. "Why would you team me up with a lowlife like her? Why should I shoot an advertisement with someone who''s not even up to my class?"


    Julian''s expression remained calm, but a hint of steel crept into his voice. "Miss Hauls, Meesha may not have your level of fame, but she''s a highly respected model in her own right."


    Vanessa snorted, her lip curling in disdain. "I don''t collaborate with people who aren''t up to my class. You can either choose between me or her."

 Chapter 7: Fire&Ice

    Meesha''s eyebrows arched in surprise as Vanessa''s hostility crackled through the air. Rachel rushed to whisper urgent words in Vanessa''s ear, her voice a gentle breeze amidst the tension.


    "Vanessa, this is a multimillion-dollar contract. Are you willing to walk away from this opportunity?" Rachel asked, her eyes locked on Vanessa''s.


    Vanessa''s gaze flickered to Meesha, her hands clenched into fists. "I''ll think about it," she snapped, spinning on her heel. The sound of her stilettos echoed through the studio as she stormed out.


    Meesha turned to Julian, a hint of surprise on her face. "Is she always like that?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.


    Julian''s expression turned thoughtful. "Let''s just say Vanessa has a strong sense of self-importance. Please, don''t take her words to heart."


    Kira interjected, her voice furious. "No, she''s just a proud peacock who doesn''t have any manners."


    Julian smiled, trying to ease the tension. "Mrs. Frank, you don''t have to worry. I''ll ensure Meesha has a seamless collaboration with Vanessa. Excuse me, I''ll go speak to her."


    As Julian walked away, Meesha turned to Kira, her lips pouted in disappointment. "I thought she''s going to be really nice, and that we''ll be best friends. But it''s just the opposite," she said sheepishly.


    Kira patted her head. "Don''t worry about it."


    Meesha''s confident smile returned, her voice icing. "If it''s war she wants, it''s war she''ll get."


    Kira''s eyes widened as she gazed at Meesha. As Kira opened her mouth to speak, her phone pierced the air. After speaking on the phone for a while, she turned to Meesha, her eyes pleading.


    "Something important came up in Gabriel''s school. I need to go there."


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    Meesha smiled. "It''s fine, I''ll be good on my own."


    Kira''s face lit up. "Thanks," she said before hurrying away.


    As Kira departed, Sophia, the makeup artist, approached Meesha with a friendly smile. "Hi, I''m Sophia. Can you follow me into the dressing room so I can do your makeup?"


    Meesha nodded and followed Sophia to the dressing room. Sophia''s skilled hands began transforming Meesha into Ice.


    "Let''s bring out the icy goddess in you," Sophia said, applying a light foundation.


    Meesha smiled, relaxing into the chair and gazing at the mirror. "I love the concept."


    Sophia delicately dusted shimmering crystals next to Meesha''s eyes and eyebrows. "These will catch the light, giving you an ethereal glow."


    As Sophia worked her magic, Meesha''s features softened, her skin radiating a gentle, cool essence.


    "You look stunning," Sophia breathed. "You''re a natural ice queen."


    Meesha smiled. "Thanks, Sophia."


    Sophia''s eyes sparkled. "I''m a huge fan of your work, Meesha. Your elegance and poise inspire me."


    Meesha replied, "Thank you, Sophia. That means a lot."


    Once Sophia finished the makeup, Meesha stood up, and they walked to the wardrobe area.


    "Your dress is ready," Sophia said, revealing a breathtaking gown.


    The light blue, almost-white dress cascaded down Meesha''s figure, reaching mid-thigh. Its flowing silhouette and delicate fabric evoked the gentle lapping of waves.


    Meesha slipped into the dress, and Sophia helped her with the zipper. As Meesha''s sky-blue hair fell freely on her shoulders, Sophia gasped.


    "You look like a water goddess, Meesha! The epitome of Ice."


    Meesha twirled, the dress swirling around her. "I feel like one."


    Sophia handed Meesha a mirror. Meesha''s reflection took her breath away.


    "Wow, Sophia, you did an amazing job."


    Sophia beamed. "No, you''re the amazing one, Meesha. Your beauty shines from within."


    Meesha smiled, her icy beauty now complete. "Time to freeze the scene," Sophia said, winking.


    Meesha smiled, ready to embody Ice alongside Vanessa''s Fire.


    As Meesha stepped out of her dressing room, Vanessa emerged from hers, their gazes meeting in a flash of tension.


    Vanessa wore a stunning red gown that hugged her huge curves, its fiery hue radiating passion and seduction. Her long, straight hair cascaded down her back like flames, and her smoky makeup accentuated her bold features.


    "Wow, Vanessa, you look breathtaking," Meesha said, her voice dripping with feigned sincerity. Vanessa''s gaze raked over Meesha''s icy ensemble, her expression twisting into a sneer that could curdle milk.


    "Save your flattery, Ice," Vanessa spat, her voice venomous. "You wish you had my fire." The air seemed to vibrate with tension as the two women locked eyes, their animosity palpable.


    Meesha''s gentle smile lingered, a fake gesture. "I''m content with my ice. We''re complementary, Fire and Ice," she said.


    Vanessa snorted, a sound that was both derisive and dismissive. "Complementary? You''re just a pale imitation of beauty," she sneered, her words cutting deep.


    Meesha''s smile faltered, her expression almost turning into a sneer, but she regained her composure, her mask of serenity slipping back into place. Rachel, Vanessa''s manager, appeared at her side, her eyes cold and calculating.


    "Vanessa is the epitome of beauty and talent," Rachel said. "You''re just a fleeting moment, Meesha." The venom in her words was palpable, making Meesha''s eyes widen in shock.


    Meesha''s response was measured, her voice calm and collected. "I''m happy to be working with Vanessa," she replied, trying to maintain her calm demeanor.

 Chapter 8: Breaking Records

    Vanessa''s gaze lingered on Meesha''s face, envy simmering beneath her confident exterior. If only she had Meesha''s face, her perfect features, and her effortless elegance. The thought was a bitter pill to swallow.


    Just then, Julian Saint Clair interrupted, approaching the tense scene with a warm smile. "Shall we begin the shoot?" he asked, his voice a welcome respite from the tension.


    Vanessa turned to Julian, her smile radiant, a perfect mask that hid her true feelings. "Let''s show the world what real beauty looks like," she said, her voice filled with confidence.


    Meesha nodded, her gentle smile still in place, a testament to her professionalism. The stage was set for a fiery clash between Ice and Fire, a battle that would only end when the cameras stopped rolling.


    After the 30-second advertisement video shoot, the crew gathered around the monitor to review the footage. Julian Saint Clair smiled, anticipating the final result. "Let''s see the magic," Julian said, nodding to the editor.


    The screen flickered to life, showcasing the advertisement. Vanessa and Meesha appeared, embodying Fire and Ice.


    [Advertisement Video]


    The camera panned over a dark, misty landscape, the air thick with anticipation. A river of flames and ice sliced through the terrain, a striking visual representation of the contrasting elements. Vanessa emerged from the shadows, her stunning red gown blazing like a wildfire against the fiery backdrop. The fabric hugged her curves, accentuating her bold features and fiery personality.


    On the opposite side of the river, Meesha appeared, her icy beauty shining like a beacon amidst swirling snowflakes. Her delicate features and crystal-clear gaze seemed almost ethereal, as if she were a creature from a winter wonderland. The camera zoomed in, capturing the intensity of the moment as Vanessa''s smoky eyes locked onto Meesha''s gaze. The tension between Fire and Ice crackled, the air vibrating with anticipation.


    The scene shifted, and the two women stood facing each other, their bodies inches apart. Vanessa''s flames danced, casting a warm glow on her skin, while Meesha''s icy aura shimmered, her skin radiating a gentle, cool essence. The contrast between them was striking, their differences a perfect harmony of opposites.


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    Suddenly, they turned, backing each other, and leaned against one another, a symbol of contrasting harmony. A stunning visual effect divided them: flames licked at Vanessa''s side, while ice crystals formed on Meesha''s. Yet, they remained entwined, their bodies a perfect blend of Fire and Ice.


    The screen faded to black as the perfume''s logo and tagline appeared: "Fire&Ice: Opposites Attract."


    The crew erupted into applause, mesmerized by the captivating advertisement.


    "This is perfect!" Julian exclaimed, beaming with pride. "The contrast between Fire and Ice is stunning."


    Rachel, Vanessa''s manager, complimented, "Vanessa, you''re incredible! Your fiery personality shines through."


    However, most crew members praised Meesha''s ethereal beauty. "Meesha, your ice queen presence stole the show!" someone said. "Yes, Meesha''s elegance is unmatched," another crew member agreed.


    Meesha smiled, her eyes glinting with vengeance. "But don''t forget Vanessa. She also embodied Fire perfectly." Her voice was laced with a hint of sarcasm, but her expression remained serene.


    Vanessa''s fists clenched, her jealousy hidden beneath her smile.


    Julian approached, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I think we''ve found her perfume bottle and box image ¨C that final moment, with Fire and Ice leaning against each other."


    The crew nodded in agreement.


    Vanessa''s gaze locked onto Meesha, her eyes flashing with resentment. She walked away, her heels clicking on the floor, as the crew continued to praise Meesha.


    Soon, Kira returned and praised Meesha''s ice embodiment the moment she saw her. After she watched the video, she couldn''t help but gasp, "Meesha, you''re so beautiful. You look amazing in the video."


    "I know, right?" Sophia agreed. "Your ice queen vibe is everything."


    Julian nodded, his eyes shining with approval. "You two did fantastic, but Meesha, your elegance really stood out."


    As the crew dispersed, Meesha smiled, basking in the warm praise that enveloped her like a gentle hug.


    Hours later, Jurah''s official Instagram account posted the Fire&Ice advertisement video, and the comments section erupted like a wildfire. Fans and admirers alike couldn''t get enough of Meesha''s breathtaking beauty, and their comments poured in like a tidal wave.


    "Wow, the woman as Ice is so beautiful!"


    "I''ve never seen anyone as beautiful as this in my entire life!"


    "Who is she? I want to marry her!"


    "I''ll surely buy the perfume because of her face."


    "Me too!"


    "I''ve made twenty preorders already. I''m not a fan of perfumes, I just want them so I can peel the labels off and paste her face all over my room."


    "Isn''t she Meesha? The supermodel?"


    "Yes, she''s Meesha. Our Meesha is the perfect embodiment of ice."


    "Don''t forget our Vanessa, she also slayed the fire role."


    "Yes, but I like Meesha better. She''s extraordinary."


    "No, Vanessa is more beautiful than Meesha."


    "No, Meesha is more beautiful!"


    The comments continued to pour in, each one more effusive than the last. Meesha''s beauty had clearly made a lasting impact on the viewers, and they couldn''t get enough of her.


    The comments section descended into fan fights, with #TeamMeesha and #TeamVanessa battling for supremacy.


    "Meesha''s eyes are mesmerizing!"


    "Vanessa''s fire is unbeatable!"


    "Meesha''s ice queen vibe is iconic!"


    "Vanessa''s passion is contagious!"


    As the debate raged on, Meesha''s phone blew up with notifications. Kira smiled, showing her the Instagram post. "You''re trending, Meesha!" she exclaimed.


    Meesha laughed with satisfaction, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "This is crazy," she said, shaking her head in wonder.


    Julian smiled, pleased with the advertisement''s impact. "Fire&Ice is going to break records," he predicted, his eyes shining with confidence.

 Chapter 9: Ice Cream?

    Meesha snapped a quick selfie. She posted it on Instagram with a heartfelt message that really didn''t come from her heart: "Hey, lovely fans! I want to ask a favor. Please don''t engage in fan fights or compare me to Vanessa. She''s like a sister to me, and I adore her. Let''s spread love and positivity instead! #NoComparison #LoveEachOther #FireAndIce"


    The message was a clever move, designed to appease her fans and maintain a positive image. But beneath the surface, Meesha was seething with rivalry, her competitive spirit burning brighter than ever.


    Instantly, comments flooded Meesha''s post, a digital tidal wave of admiration and adoration. "Wow, Meesha, you''re so beautiful!"


    "I love your looks! Texting from India."


    "Meesha, you''re a good person. You''re not obsessed with your looks."


    "That''s rich coming from you. Everyone knows you''re way beautiful than Vanessa."


    "No, that''s a lie!"


    "Meesha! I''m your number one fan from Nigeria."


    "No, I''m Meesha''s number one fan from Asia! We love you, Meesha!"


    "You''re beauty shines from within!"


    As Meesha scrolled through the comments, a satisfied smile spread across her face. She was glad her fans wouldn''t stop comparing her to Vanessa ¨C that way, Vanessa would learn her lesson.


    Just then, Julian''s assistant, Gabriella, approached her, a bright smile on her face. "Meesha, I have good news!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    Meesha''s curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" she asked, her eyes filled with anticipation.


    Gabriella''s smile widened. "We''ve sold all 50 million perfumes in just three hours!" she announced, her words met with a stunned silence.


    Meesha''s eyes widened in awe. "Really?" she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Gabriella nodded, a smile on her face. "Yes, and we had to restock to meet the pre-orders. It''s all thanks to you, Meesha. Your ice queen vibe has captured the world''s heart."


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    Meesha smiled, her beauty radiant in the glow of her success. Julian Saint Clair joined them, beaming with pride. "Meesha, you''re a game-changer. Fire&Ice is breaking records."


    Vanessa, standing nearby, overheard the conversation, her expression darkening like a stormy cloud. "Meesha''s getting all the attention," Vanessa muttered to Rachel, her voice laced with resentment.


    Rachel''s expression turned sympathetic. "Vanessa, you''re equally talented. Don''t worry," she said, trying to placate Vanessa''s ego.


    But Vanessa was beyond reason. Her mind was racing with schemes to ruin Meesha''s momentum. "I''ll show her who''s the real queen," Vanessa muttered to Rachel, her voice dripping with malice.


    At the next press conference, Vanessa, Meesha, and other notable guests were seated at a long table, answering questions from various reporters.


    Suddenly, Vanessa took the microphone, a sly smile spreading across her face. "I have a special announcement," she said, her voice dripping with drama.


    The room fell silent, the reporters leaning forward in anticipation. Meesha watched with interest, her eyebrow shot up in curiosity.


    "Meesha is not who you think she is," Vanessa declared, her voice dripping with malice.


    The room erupted into a collective gasp, the reporters'' eyes wide with surprise. Meesha''s face remained calm, her expression serene.


    "Meesha is actually...a former ice cream vendor!" Vanessa exclaimed, her voice triumphant.


    The room erupted into laughter, the reporters chuckling at the unexpected revelation. Meesha smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    "Guilty as charged," Meesha replied, her voice laced with humor. "My parents died when I was young, so I used to sell ice cream to support myself," Meesha explained, her voice tinged with vulnerability.


    "And now, I''m selling Fire&Ice perfume to support my fans," Meesha added, her voice filled with pride.


    The room applauded, the reporters nodding in admiration. Meesha''s popularity soared, her fans loving her even more for her humility and resilience.


    Vanessa''s face turned beet red, her plan backfiring spectacularly. She stormed out of the conference room, her ego bruised and battered.


    Rachel shook her head, a mixture of disappointment and amusement on her face. "Vanessa, you played yourself," she said, her voice laced with irony.


    As the conference ended, Meesha''s fans swarmed her.


    "Ice cream vendor turned Ice queen!"


    "It must have been so hard to support yourself alone."


    "We love you even more now!"


    *******


    As the Fire&Ice perfume hit the shelves, Meesha''s popularity skyrocketed. Her social media accounts witnessed an unprecedented surge, gaining millions of new followers overnight.


    Meesha''s Instagram followers jumped from 10 million to 50 million in just 24 hours, making her one of the most followed celebrities online.


    Her fans, affectionately called "Meesha''s Ice Squad," went into a frenzy, scooping up the perfume and sharing their unboxing experiences on social media.


    "I got my Fire&Ice perfume and it smells AMAZING!"


    "Meesha''s perfume is the best thing that''s happened to my vanity!"


    The hashtag #FireAndIcePerfume trended worldwide, with fans raving about the scent and Meesha''s captivating campaign.


    Sales skyrocketed, with Fire&Ice becoming the best-selling perfume of the season. Department stores reported selling out of stock within hours, and online marketplaces struggled to keep up with demand.


    Julian Saint Clair, the perfume''s creator, beamed with pride.


    "Meesha''s influence is unparalleled," Julian said in an interview. "Her fans adore her, and we''re thrilled to see the perfume resonating with them."


    Meesha''s team revealed that the perfume had generated over $100 million in revenue within the first week of its release.


    Vanessa, still reeling from her failed sabotage attempts, seethed with envy.


    "Why can''t I have that kind of success?" Vanessa lamented to her manager.


    Her manager sighed. "Vanessa, you need to focus on your craft, not sabotage others. Meesha''s success is genuine. There''s nothing we can do."


    Meesha, oblivious to the drama, celebrated with her team.


    "We did it, guys! Fire&Ice is a hit!" Meesha exclaimed.


    As the perfume''s popularity continued to soar, Meesha''s status as the Ice Queen solidified, cementing her position as one of the most influential celebrities in the industry.

 Chapter 10: Its Banana

    [FEW DAYS LATER]


    The packed auditorium erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause as Meesha Dasilva stepped onto the sprawling stage, her stilettos clicking confidently on the polished floor. The spotlight danced across her flawless features, illuminating her beautiful face. Cameras scrambled to capture her image, the flashbulbs creating a dazzling display of lights.


    But little did the audience know, a sinister plan was already in motion. Vanessa had locked Meesha in the dressing room and had a professional impersonator slip into the event, disguised as Meesha. The impersonator mingled with guests, attempting to blend in seamlessly.


    On the "Star Talk" set, the interviewer welcomed the fake Meesha with a warm smile. "Welcome back to ''Star Talk''! Tonight, we have the stunning Meesha Dasilva. Meesha, what''s your secret to success?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.


    The impersonator acted nervously, fumbling for words. "Uh, yeah... my secret is... um... ice cream?" she replied, her voice trembling slightly. The audience chuckled, and the interviewer raised an eyebrow.


    "Ice cream? That''s... unique. How does ice cream contribute to your success?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement.


    The impersonator replied, "Well... it''s just... really good... and cold... like me?"


    The audience burst into laughter, and the interviewer''s expression turned quizzical.


    Meanwhile, Meesha banged her fists on the door, her screams piercing through the silent hallway. "Let me out! Is anyone there?! Let me out!" she yelled, her voice muffled by the door.


    On the stage, the interviewer replied, "That''s... interesting. What inspires your fashion choices?"


    The impersonator hesitated, her eyes darting around the audience. "Uh... my closet?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.


    The interviewer inquired, "Your closet? Can you elaborate?"


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    The impersonator stumbled, "Yeah... I just... look in there... and stuff..."


    The audience''s laughter turned into awkward silence.


    Meesha watched from backstage, a sneer appearing on her face.


    "Oh no, she''s bombing," Kira gasped, her eyes wide with concern. "You have to go out there before she ruins you."


    Meesha nodded, knowing she had to intervene. She took a deep breath, smoothed her dress, and stepped onto the stage, her presence commanding attention. "Sorry to interrupt, but I think I can answer that better," she said, her voice confident and clear.


    The interviewer, along with the crowd, were taken aback. "Wait, there are two Meeshas?" the interviewer asked, his eyes darting between the two women.


    Meesha smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just one genuine Ice Queen, I assure you."


    The impersonator yelled, "No, I''m the real Meesha!"


    Meesha laughed, her voice like music, still surprised the impersonator wouldn''t give up the act. "Really? Then tell me, what''s my favorite ice cream flavor?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    The impersonator hesitated, her eyes darting around the audience. "Uh... rocky road? To nowhere?" she replied, her voice trembling slightly.


    Meesha''s smile never wavered. "Wrong. It''s banana," she said.


    The audience roared with laughter, the sound waves crashing against the stage like a tsunami. The interviewer faced the camera, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, it seems we have an impersonator on our hands!" he exclaimed.


    Meesha nodded in agreement, her sky-blue hair bobbing up and down. "Any police officers watching the show should come right up to arrest this criminal," she said, her tone sarcastic.


    As soon as the impersonator heard the words ''police officer'', she scrambled off the seat, her eyes wide with panic. She took to her heels, but was blocked immediately by a group of officers, their uniforms a stark contrast to the glamorous atmosphere of the stage.


    The impersonator''s eyes widened, her face pale with fear. "No, it''s not me. It''s Vanessa. That witch! She asked me to impersonate Meesha," she screamed, her voice echoing through the auditorium.


    The police officers dragged her away, her struggles futile against their firm grip. As she was pulled off the stage, she spotted Vanessa, her eyes blazing with anger. "Vanessa, you have to help me! You got me into this! Come and help me out!" she shouted, her voice hoarse with desperation.


    Vanessa, with her great acting skills, feigned innocence, her expression a perfect mask of surprise. "Me? What are you talking about? I don''t even know you," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness.


    The impersonator clenched her fists, her nails digging into her skin. "You liar! You asked me to impersonate Meesha, and you promised to pay me a lot of money!" she spat, her voice venomous.


    Vanessa turned to the police officers, her eyes wide with innocence. "Officers, I don''t know what this woman is talking about," she said, her voice trembling slightly.


    The officers nodded politely to Vanessa, their faces impassive. "Yes, Miss Hauls. We believe you," one of them said, his voice firm.


    The impersonator was dumbfounded, unable to speak, her eyes wide with shock and anger.


    Vanessa''s gaze drifted to the stage, a scowl appearing on her face, her eyes narrowing into slits. She heaved a sigh, realizing her sabotage had once again boosted Meesha''s popularity.


    *********


    Meesha was walking across the bustling backstage area, the sound of chatter and laughter filling the air, when she stumbled upon a disturbing scene. Paulina, Vanessa''s new prot¨¦g¨¦e, was berating a young model, her voice dripping with venom. The young girl, trembling with fear, looked like a fragile leaf in the midst of a hurricane.


    Paulina, with her perfectly coiffed hair and designer outfit, towered over the girl, her eyes filled with entitlement. "You think you can walk the runway better than me? You''re just a pathetic wannabe!"

 Chapter 11: Sarah

    Meesha''s eyes narrowed. She recognized Paulina''s behavior all too well ¨C it was the same entitled attitude she had encountered countless times in the industry. Meesha approached the duo, her voice firm but calm, like a gentle breeze on a summer day.


    "Paulina, what''s going on here?" Meesha asked, her eyes locked on Paulina''s.


    Paulina turned, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Mind your own business, Meesha. This doesn''t concern you," she snapped.


    Meesha''s gaze never wavered, her expression unwavering. "Actually, it does. Why are you bullying her?" she asked, her voice firm but controlled.


    Paulina shrugged, her voice dripping with disdain. "It''s none of your business! Go away!"


    Meesha''s raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Paulina, remember I''m your senior in this industry. I''ve earned respect and recognition. You, on the other hand, are just starting out. I can get you fired with a single phone call. Your rich family won''t be able to save you," she said, her voice firm but measured.


    Paulina snorted, her expression incredulous. "Impossible!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with arrogance.


    Just then, Vanessa appeared, her eyes scanning the scene before settling on Meesha. "What''s going on here?" she asked.


    Paulina quickly played the victim, her eyes welling up with tears. "Meesha''s harassing me!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.


    Vanessa''s expression turned cold, her eyes flashing with anger. "Meesha, stay out of this. Paulina is under my guidance," she said, her voice menacing.


    Meesha scoffed, her expression incredulous. "I won''t stand by while Paulina bullies someone. That''s not what this industry should be about."


    Vanessa turned to Paulina. "Paulina, darling, don''t let Meesha intimidate you. You did nothing wrong," she said, her voice filled with condescension.


    Paulina''s face lit up with gratitude, her eyes shining with admiration. "Thanks, Senior Vanessa."


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    Meesha''s eyes narrowed, her expression disgusted. "You''re supporting this behavior?" she asked.


    Vanessa smirked, her expression smug. "I''m supporting my prot¨¦g¨¦e. You''re just jealous of Paulina''s potential."


    The young model, still shaking, spoke up, her voice trembling. "B-but Senior Meesha''s telling the truth. Paulina''s been bullying me all day," she said, her eyes welling up with tears.


    Vanessa''s gaze dismissed the girl. "No one asked you."


    Meesha''s expression flashed with annoyance. "You''re enabling Paulina''s entitlement?"


    Vanessa shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "In this industry, you need to be ruthless to succeed. Paulina understands that."


    "Paulina, darling, let''s go," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness, as she led Paulina away.


    As Vanessa and Paulina left, Meesha turned to the girl, her expression softening with kindness. "And what''s your name?" she asked, her voice warm and gentle.


    The girl''s voice trembled, her eyes still shining with tears. "S-sarah," she stuttered.


    Meesha''s face lit up with a warm smile. "Sarah, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.


    Sarah nodded, her tears welling up again. "Senior Meesha, t-thank you for standing up for me," she said.


    Meesha''s gaze never left Sarah''s face, her eyes shining with empathy. "You don''t have to thank me, Sarah. No one deserves to be bullied," she said, her voice firm but gentle.


    Meesha smiled. "You''re talented, Sarah. Don''t let anyone make you feel otherwise," she said with conviction.


    Sarah''s eyes shone with gratitude, her face lighting up with a timid smile. Meesha also smiled back. She guided Sarah to a quiet corner, away from the bustling backstage area.


    "Tell me about yourself, Sarah," Meesha said, her voice warm and inviting, as they sat down on a plush couch.


    Sarah thought timidly before asking, "What do you want to know?" Her eyes were wide with curiosity.


    Meesha leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. "Hmm¡­ Let''s see. How old are you?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.


    Sarah hesitated for a moment before replying, "I''m nineteen."


    Meesha nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Are you in high school?" she asked, her voice gentle.


    Sarah shook her head, her eyes cast downward. "No, I graduated last year."


    Meesha''s brows furrowed, her expression curious. "So you must be in college then?" she asked, her voice laced with assumption.


    Sarah hesitated before speaking, her eyes cast downward. "No," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "You''re not? Why?" Meesha asked.


    "I¡­I come from a poor family. My parents struggled to make ends meet. I couldn''t afford college," Sarah replied, her voice cracking with emotion.


    Meesha''s expression softened, empathy etched on her face. "I see," she said gently. "So you went into modeling instead?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.


    Sarah nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Yes. It''s a passion, and I also use it to support my family. But things haven''t been working out for me in the industry," she said.


    Meesha thought for a while, her expression thoughtful. Then, she offered, "I''ll sign you under my agency. You''ll get better opportunities that way."


    Sarah''s eyes widened, her eyes gleaming with hope. "R-really?" she stuttered.


    Meesha smiled, her voice filled with assurance. "Yes. It''s the least I can do to help. And besides, I''ve seen you on the runway before. You have good talent," she said, her eyes shining with sincerity.


    Sarah''s face lit up, her gratitude pouring out. "Thank you, Senior Meesha. Thank you so much," she said, her voice overflowing with emotion.


    Meesha smiled, waving off her thanks. "No need to thank me. You''re like a little sister to me. Call me Sister Meesha instead."


    Sarah nodded obediently. "Okay, Sister Meesha."


    As promised, Meesha secured Sarah spots in top runway shows. She also helped Sarah''s family buy a cozy new house. Sarah''s parents thanked Meesha tearfully.


    "We can''t repay your kindness," Sarah''s mother said, her voice choked.


    Meesha waved it off, her eyes shining. "Just see Sarah succeed," she replied.

 Chapter 12: Your Wish Is My Command

    Few weeks later, Sarah burst into Meesha''s dressing room, her excitement radiating like a ray of sunshine. "Sister Meesha! Guess what?" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.


    Meesha raised an eyebrow, intrigued, as she looked up from the mirror where she was adjusting her makeup. "What is it?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.


    Sarah''s face lit up like a lantern, her eyes shining with joy. "I got a scholarship to Prestige University!" she announced, beaming with pride.


    Meesha smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Congratulations, Sarah! I''m so proud of you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.


    Sarah''s eyes shone like stars, her gratitude pouring out like a fountain. "Senior Meesha, you were the one who sponsored me, right? Thank you so much," she said, her voice overflowing with emotion.


    Meesha''s smile faltered for a moment, before she replied, trying to keep her voice casual. "No, it wasn''t me," she said, attempting to downplay her role.


    But Sarah looked puzzled, her brow furrowed in confusion. "But the school said it was from you...Thank you so much," she insisted, her eyes shining with gratitude.


    Meesha had anonymously sponsored Sarah''s scholarship, asking the school to keep her identity hidden. But since Sarah had already found out, there was no need to keep up the act. Meesha''s expression softened, her eyes warming with pride. "Make sure you study well, okay? I expect great things," she said, her voice filled with encouragement.


    Sarah nodded fervently, her eyes shining with determination. "Okay, Sister Meesha. I''ll surely make you proud," she promised, her voice filled with conviction.


    Meesha''s eyes sparkled with pride, her heart swelling with joy. "I know you will, Sarah," she said, her voice filled with confidence.


    A thought popped into Meesha''s mind and she rose from her seat. "Come with me," she said, holding Sarah''s hand and leading her away.


    Meesha confidently guided Sarah into Director Gu''s office, the epicenter of the modeling industry, where careers were made and broken. Director Gu, a middle-aged man with a kind face and a warm smile, sat behind his massive mahogany desk.


    "Director Gu, I want Sarah to be the lead model in the prestigious ''Blooming Petals'' runway show for the spring and summer collection," Meesha announced.


    Sarah''s eyes widened in surprise, her heart racing with excitement. Anyone who landed the top spot in ''Blooming Petals'' would skyrocket to fame, and Sarah couldn''t believe she was being considered for the role.


    Director Gu nodded without hesitation, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, I''ll make it happen, Meesha. You''ve always had an eye for talent," he said, his voice filled with trust and admiration.


    Sarah opened her mouth to thank Meesha and Director Gu, but before she could speak, Vanessa stormed into the room, Paulina by her side. Vanessa''s eyes flashed with disdain, her face twisted in a scowl. "No, Paulina is the right person to be the lead model. Sarah is just a pauper, a nobody."


    Sarah''s face fell.


    Meesha''s expression turned icy. "Don''t cross your boundaries, Vanessa. Sarah would be the lead model, and that''s final," she said, her voice firm and authoritative.


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    Vanessa crossed her arms, her voice dripping with malice. "I don''t care about your achievements, Meesha. My status is still better than yours."


    Paulina sneered, her voice grating. "Yes, Vanessa is more famous than you! You and Sarah are just¡ª" she began, but Director Gu interrupted, his tone firm.


    "Mind your language, Paulina. Meesha is your senior," he said, his eyes flashing with warning.


    Paulina scoffed, rolling her eyes in defiance.


    Vanessa turned to Director Gu, her voice sugary sweet, like honey dripping from a spoon. "Director Gu, you''ll let Paulina be the lead model, won''t you? She''s the face of our industry," she cooed, her eyes batting flirtatiously.


    Meesha''s voice cut through the tension, like a knife slicing through silk. "No, you agreed Sarah would be the lead model," she said, her tone firm but calm.


    Director Gu hesitated, caught between two powerful figures. Meesha''s eyes narrowed. "You know Paulina''s behavior is unacceptable. And you also know Sarah is more capable for the show than her. If you choose Paulina over Sarah because of her status, I''ll quit my job here. I cannot work in a place that prioritizes fame over talent," she said, her voice steady and resolute.


    Sarah wanted to speak, but Meesha''s gentle gesture silenced her.


    Director Gu''s face paled, like a ghostly apparition, as he contemplated the consequences of losing Meesha. She had done so much to elevate their reputation, and her departure would send shockwaves through the industry. Vanessa''s irrelevant contributions paled in comparison.


    "Your wish is my command, Meesha," Director Gu said finally.


    Vanessa clenched her fists, her nails digging into her skin. Meesha smiled triumphantly, her eyes sparkling with victory. "You might have more fame than me, Vanessa, but in this industry, I''m your boss. Respect me," she said, her voice dripping with authority.


    Meesha winked at Vanessa, like a playful cat teasing its prey, before turning to Sarah. "Let''s prepare for ''Blooming Petals.'' We have work to do," she said.


    As they walked away, Vanessa''s anger boiled over, like a pot overflowing with scalding water. "This isn''t over, Meesha!"


    Sarah watched, awestruck, like a child witnessing a fireworks display. Meesha''s unwavering support left her speechless, like a mute witness to a miracle. "Thank you, Sister Meesha," Sarah said, her voice filled with gratitude.


    Meesha smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "You deserve it, Sarah. Now let''s make ''Blooming Petals'' unforgettable," she said, her voice filled with excitement and anticipation.


    Meesha then led Sarah to a spacious rehearsal room, filled with mirrors and a catwalk, like a miniature runway. "Let''s get started, Sarah," Meesha said, her voice energized and focused. "We have a lot of work to do."


    Sarah nodded, determination etched on her face. Meesha began, "First, we need to work on your posture. Shoulders back, head held high. You own that runway."


    Sarah practiced, her movements awkward at first, like a fledgling bird learning to fly. Meesha corrected her, gentle but firm. "No, Sarah, don''t swing your arms. Keep them relaxed," she said, her voice patient and encouraging.


    Sarah tried again, her confidence growing. "Better," Meesha praised, her voice warm and approving. "Now, let''s practice walking in heels," she said, her eyes sparkling with challenge.


    Sarah struggled, stumbling, like a toddler learning to walk. Meesha chuckled, her laughter warm and reassuring. "Don''t worry, it takes time. Remember, heel-to-toe," she said, her voice gentle and guiding.


    Sarah practiced, her footsteps becoming more confident with each passing minute. As the hours ticked by, Sarah transformed before Meesha''s eyes. Her stride lengthened, her posture improved, and her movements became more fluid. Meesha beamed with pride, her eyes shining with admiration. "You''re a natural, Sarah," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.


    Sarah smiled, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thanks to you, Sister Meesha," she replied.


    Meesha handed Sarah a stunning gown, its delicate fabric shimmering in the light. "Try this on. It''s for the show."


    Sarah gasped. "It''s so beautiful!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.


    Meesha smiled. "You''ll look great in it," she said, her voice confident.


    As Sarah changed, Meesha discussed strategy. "Remember, Sarah, own the runway. Don''t look at the audience; look through them. You''re a superstar," she encouraged.


    Sarah nodded, determination burning in her eyes. She took a deep breath, her shoulders squaring, as she prepared to face the challenge ahead.


    When Sarah emerged, Meesha''s eyes widened in amazement. The gown hugged Sarah''s curves, accentuating her slender figure. Her hair cascaded down her back, like a river of gold. Meesha''s breath caught in her throat. "You look stunning," she breathed. "You''ll definitely steal the show."


    Just then, Vanessa appeared at the doorway, her expression dark. "Meesha, you think Sarah can replace Paulina?" she sneered.


    Meesha crossed her arms. "Sarah has talent, Vanessa. Something Paulina lacks," she said.


    Vanessa snarled. "This isn''t over," she spat, before turning to leave.


    Meesha smiled sweetly. "I''m counting on it," she said, her tone sarcastic.


    As Vanessa departed, Meesha''s expression turned thoughtful. Although she felt confident outside, she couldn''t shake off the feeling that Vanessa had something sinister in mind. A shiver ran down her spine, as she wondered what Vanessa''s next move would be.


    *******


    As the day of Sarah''s highly anticipated runway show finally arrived, the stage was set and the runway practice had been perfected. Meesha sat in her dressing room, carefully selecting makeup palettes for the upcoming show. Suddenly, she heard Sarah''s weak voice behind her.


    "Senior Meesha," Sarah called out, her tone laced with fatigue.


    Meesha turned around, concern etched on her face. "What''s wrong?" she asked softly.


    Sarah''s voice was barely above a whisper. "I have a terrible fever and headache."


    Meesha''s expression changed from concern to alarm. "But you were fine just a moment ago," she said, her voice laced with worry.


    Meesha gently placed her hand on Sarah''s forehead, discovering her body was scorching hot. Sarah''s complexion was also pale and clammy.

 Chapter 13: Freezing Cold

    Uncertain about what to do next, Meesha suggested, "Let''s go to the hospital."


    However, Sarah hesitated, her weak voice filled with determination. "No, the hospital is two hours away. If we leave, I''ll be late for my show."


    Meesha understood Sarah''s concerns, but her health was a priority. "You can''t perform like this, Sarah. You''re clearly unwell."


    Sarah weakly waved her hand. "Thank you, sister, but I''ll be fine."


    Meesha gazed at Sarah''s pale appearance, feeling a pang of pity. If Sarah performed in her current state, the director would likely send her home and replace her with Paulina, shattering her chances of becoming famous.


    Meesha sought an alternative solution and walked to her closet. She returned with a packet of over-the-counter medication. "Since it''s just a fever, try this," she said, handing Sarah the packet. "It was recommended by a pharmacist, and I''ve used it before when I had a fever. It''s effective."


    Sarah stared up at Meesha, her face filled with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, taking the packet.


    Meesha poured a glass of water and handed it to Sarah. A few minutes after taking the medication, Sarah asked with heavy eyes, "I''m feeling drowsy. Can I sleep here?"


    Meesha patted Sarah''s head, noticing the medication already taking effect. "Yes, of course. Sleep, and I''ll wake you up when it''s time for your runway. By then, your fever should be gone."


    Sarah looked up at Meesha gratefully. "Thank you, Senior Meesha. You''re a good person."


    Meesha smiled, feeling warmth in her chest. She genuinely liked Sarah and wanted to see her succeed in her career.


    Meesha offered to get Sarah a blanket, and Sarah nodded. Meesha quickly retrieved a blanket from her closet and returned to find Sarah sleeping on the couch, her face still etched with fatigue.


    Meesha smiled and gently draped the blanket over Sarah before returning to her work.


    An hour later, Meesha''s door rattled with knocks. "Meesha, open the door! It''s the director," a voice called out.


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    Meesha realized who it was and quickly got up to answer the door. She opened it to find Director Gu standing alongside Vanessa, whose face was contorted into a sneer.


    Meesha ignored Vanessa and turned to Director Gu. "Director, do you need something?" Director Gu nodded, explaining, "I came to fetch Sarah. The designer mixed up the clothes, and the models need to try them on again to find their correct outfits."


    As he peered into the room, he spotted Sarah sleeping. "Can you wake her up?"


    Meesha re-entered her dressing room, feeling uncertain. "Okay, but she had a fever earlier... I think she should be fine by now."


    Meesha leaned down, gently tapping Sarah. "Sarah, wake up."


    But Sarah didn''t stir. Meesha tapped her again, her voice louder but soothing. "Sarah, wake up. The director needs you to try on the clothes."


    When Sarah still didn''t respond, Vanessa''s annoyance grew. "Can''t you see? She''s unreliable and lazy. Just use Paulina instead."


    Meesha ignored Vanessa, focusing on Sarah. She sensed something was wrong and had a bad feeling. After tapping Sarah again without getting a response, Meesha''s hand accidentally slipped onto Sarah''s bare arm. Feeling the chill emanating from her, Meesha quickly recoiled, her eyes widening in shock.


    The director and Vanessa exchanged confused glances. "What''s wrong?" Director Gu asked, his face etched with concern.


    Meesha remained frozen, unable to respond. Director Gu reached out to touch Sarah, but as soon as he made contact, he jerked his hand back, taking a step away.


    Vanessa''s curiosity got the better of her, and she reached out to touch Sarah. As soon as she made contact, she pulled back, her eyes wide with shock. "Sarah''s body is freezing cold!" she exclaimed.


    The director stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate. He reached out to place his finger under Sarah''s nostrils, searching for any sign of breath. But there was nothing ¨C no flow of oxygen, no whisper of air.


    The director''s face was ashen as he turned to face them. His voice trembled. "She''s dead," he announced.


    Vanessa gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. She turned to Meesha, her eyes wide with shock. "How did she die?" she demanded.


    Meesha stood frozen, unable to respond. Her mind reeled with the sudden turn of events. How could Sarah just die like that?


    Director Gu sprang into action, quickly calling the ambulance. "We need to get her to the hospital, now," he urged.


    As they waited for the ambulance to arrive, the room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of those in shock. Meesha''s eyes remained fixed on Sarah''s lifeless body, her mind struggling to comprehend the tragedy that had unfolded.


    *********


    [IN THE HOSPITAL ROOM]


    Meesha paced back and forth outside the hospital room, her eyes fixed on the door. Director Gu and Vanessa stood beside her, their faces etched with worry and concern.


    "What''s taking so long?" Meesha asked, her voice trembling with anxiety.


    Director Gu put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The doctors are doing everything they can," he said.


    Just then, the doctor emerged from the hospital room, his face somber.


    "I''m afraid I have some bad news," he said, his voice gentle. "Sarah had already passed away long ago."


    Meesha felt like she had been punched in the gut. She couldn''t breathe, couldn''t think. Although it was so obvious that Sarah was dead, she still couldn''t take in the fact.


    Director Gu''s face fell. "What happened? What caused her sudden death?" he asked, his voice shaking.


    The doctor hesitated before speaking. "We performed an autopsy, and it appears that Sarah died from an adverse reaction to a medication."


    Meesha''s heart sank. Medication? What medication?


    The doctor looked at them expectantly. "Did any of you know if Sarah consumed any medication before she died?"


    Meesha''s eyes widened as she remembered the pills she had given Sarah. "I gave her some relief pills," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She said she had a fever."


    The doctor''s expression turned grave. "That was the cause of her death," he said. "Those pills triggered a severe reaction in her body."


    Meesha felt like she was going to collapse. She had given Sarah those pills, not knowing that they would harm her.


    "But I''ve taken those pills before," Meesha said, her voice shaking. "Nothing happened to me."


    The doctor''s expression was sympathetic. "Sarah was diabetic," he explained. "The medication had a different effect on her body because of her condition."

 Chapter 14: Diabetic?

    Meesha''s eyes widened in horror. Diabetic? She had no idea. If she had known, she never would have given Sarah those pills.


    Vanessa''s voice was like a knife to Meesha''s heart. "It''s her fault," she gushed, pointing at Meesha. "Meesha killed Sarah!"


    Meesha felt like she had been punched in the gut. She couldn''t say anything, couldn''t defend herself. All she could do was stand there, frozen in horror, as the weight of her mistake crushed her.


    She had given Sarah those pills because she wanted to help her. Sarah was supposed to walk the runway in the fashion show, but she had a fever. Meesha had given her the pills to help her feel better, not knowing that they would harm her.


    Now Sarah was dead, and it was all Meesha''s fault.


    Soon, the police arrived, and Meesha was taken away for interrogation. Inside the cold, sterile room, the tension was palpable. Meesha sat face to face with the detective, his eyes locked onto hers. Her head hung low, her face stricken with tears.


    "Miss Dasilva, did you or did you not kill Miss Harris intentionally?" he asked, his voice firm but controlled.


    Meesha shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I did not kill her."


    The detective jotted something down in his notebook before asking, "What exactly happened?"


    Meesha took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "She came to me and told me she was running a fever. I asked her to go to the hospital, but she refused because she didn''t want to miss her runway show."


    The detective''s eyes narrowed. "She didn''t want to miss her runway show?" he repeated.


    Meesha nodded, her face wet with tears. "Yes. Then I gave her a medication. I''ve used it many times when I had a fever, and it works well for me. I didn''t know it shouldn''t be used for diabetic patients. It wasn''t even indicated on the label."


    The detective''s expression was skeptical. "Can I see the medication?" he asked.


    Meesha rummaged through her bag and produced the medicine bottle. The detective took it from her and examined it carefully, his eyes scanning the label.


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    After a few moments, he handed the bottle back to Meesha. "We''ll have to investigate thoroughly and get back to you shortly," he said, standing up.


    As soon as he left, Meesha curled up on the seat, overcome with grief. She couldn''t believe Sarah was gone, all because of her negligence. If only she could go back in time...


    Meesha was lost in thought when she felt a gentle touch on her hair. She instinctively shuddered in fear then looked up to see Daniel standing beside her, his eyes filled with concern.


    "Oh, Daniel. When did you come in?" Meesha asked, her voice dry and devoid of its usual happiness.


    Daniel''s expression was somber. "I came in just now. I heard the news about Sarah''s death. I''m so sorry about the implication."


    Meesha felt a pang of worry. The news had already spread? Vanessa must be having a field day, tarnishing her reputation.


    "What about the police?" Meesha asked, her voice laced with anxiety.


    Daniel''s expression was reassuring. "They don''t have any evidence, they can only detain you for 24 hours."


    Meesha nodded, feeling a little sense of relief. But the weight of her mistake still lingered, haunting her.


    [THE NEXT DAY]


    As Meesha stepped out of the police station, she was immediately swarmed by live streamers and reporters, their cameras capturing her every move. Meesha knew exactly who was behind this media frenzy: Vanessa, her arch-nemesis, who would stop at nothing to tarnish her reputation.


    Just then, two elderly couples approached her, their faces etched with scorn. Meesha recognized them as Sarah''s parents. Sarah''s mother, tears streaming down her face, pointed an accusatory finger at Meesha.


    "You! You killed our Sarah!" she wailed, her body shaking with sobs. "I knew the police would release you, despite the fact that you''re responsible for our daughter''s death! Your celebrity status has clearly influenced the justice system. Our daughter deserves justice, and you should be behind bars!"


    Meesha''s eyes dropped, weighed down by the guilt of her negligence, which had led to Sarah''s tragic demise. She met Sarah''s mother''s grief-stricken gaze, her eyes filled with remorse.


    "I''m sorry," Meesha began, her voice barely above a whisper.


    But before she could finish, Sarah''s father interrupted, his voice rising in indignation. "Sorry? Do you think a simple apology can bring our daughter back?" he thundered. "You''re responsible for our child''s death. What''s the point of saying sorry?"


    Meesha tried to speak, but her words were lost amidst the chaos.


    Sarah''s father''s voice cut through the air, sharp with accusation. "You gave her the medication, didn''t you?"


    Meesha attempted to explain, but Sarah''s father wouldn''t let her finish. "How could you be so heartless? You knew she was diabetic, yet you still gave her the medication. You''re evil!"


    Sarah''s mother chimed in, her voice dripping with venom. "The police won''t do anything about it. She''s obviously bribed them."


    Meesha''s eyes widened in protest. "No, I didn''t bribe them. I didn''t even know Sarah was diabetic," she replied, her voice sincere.


    Sarah''s mother produced a paper from her bag, her eyes blazing with disgust. "Isn''t this Sarah''s medical analysis? We found it in your dressing room, and everyone here is a witness."


    Meesha''s memory flashed back to the medical report. She had asked Sarah for it, and Sarah had given it to her. Meesha had absentmindedly tossed it into a file, intending to review it later.


    Meesha denied the accusations, her voice shaking. "I... I had the medical report, but I didn''t check it. I''m not lying."


    The crowd''s glares intensified, their faces twisted in disgust. Someone shouted, "Meesha is a liar!" Another hissed, "She''s still denying it despite being caught red-handed."


    A voice from the crowd yelled, "All evidence points to her! She''s the murderer! She killed Sarah!"


    Sarah''s mother''s anger boiled over, her face red with fury. She raised her hand to slap Meesha, but Sarah''s father intervened, holding her back.


    "No... don''t," he cautioned. "Who knows what she''ll do if you hit her? She''s a celebrity; she can do anything to us."


    Sarah''s mother nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, everyone would take her side. No one cares about our innocent Sarah. I warned her about the entertainment industry ¨C how people seem nice on camera but are ruthless behind the scenes. Now my Sarah is gone, killed by selfish interests."


    Meesha''s words caught in her throat, and she couldn''t speak. The accusations felt like a punch to the gut. Even if she defended herself, no one would believe her. In their eyes, she was already a murderer.

 Chapter 15: Light At The End Of A Tunnel

    Tears welled up in Meesha''s eyes, and her resolve wavered. She fought to hold back her tears, fearing embarrassment.


    Vanessa seized the opportunity, walking up to Sarah''s parents to offer comfort. She generously offered to cover the compensation for Sarah''s death and funeral, and even had her driver escort them home.


    The crowd praised Vanessa''s kindness. "Wow, Vanessa is a good person. She paid the compensation while Meesha just stood there doing nothing."


    A former fan of Meesha''s spoke up, "I''m switching sides and sticking with Vanessa. Meesha is such a bad person."


    The crowd''s criticism cut deep, and Meesha''s eyes stung with unshed tears.


    Meesha stood frozen, unable to utter a word as the crowd''s murmurs escalated into a cacophony of irritation.


    "I can''t believe Meesha would do something like this. She''s disgusting."


    "What''s the point of being beautiful if you don''t have good behavior?" another chimed in.


    "Her charity work is just a facade to hide her dirty acts."


    "Yeah, she''s not who we think she is ¨C she''s a murderer."


    "A murderer like her doesn''t deserve to be in the modeling industry. She should be kicked out."


    The crowd''s demands for Meesha''s expulsion grew louder.


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    Someone sneered, "They won''t kick her out. She''s a big star. They''ll cover up her dirty work."


    Vanessa watched with a satisfied smile, her mission to ruin Meesha''s image accomplished.


    Meesha''s eyes darted around the sea of disgusted faces, feeling suffocated. Her life seemed to stand still as she absorbed the abusive comments.


    She couldn''t deny the accusations. She had given Sarah the medication, but she hadn''t known about Sarah''s diabetes. Meesha''s intentions hadn''t been malicious, but she couldn''t find the words to defend herself.


    Amidst the chaos, Meesha''s eyes darted around the crowd of live streamers surrounding her. She knew her reputation was tarnished beyond repair. This scandal would ruin her life, and she''d never be able to prove her innocence.


    Just then, Kira appeared, navigating through the crowd to reach Meesha''s side. With a gentle touch, Kira guided Meesha out of the throng and into the waiting car.


    As they drove away, Kira''s gaze fell upon Meesha''s distraught face. Her heart ached, seeing Meesha in such a terrible state. All Meesha had done was a favor, and yet she''d been rewarded with chaos, setbacks, national hate, abusive comments, and a loss of over ten million followers in just 24 hours.


    Meesha sat silently, tears streaming down her face as she stared out the window. Kira''s eyes lowered, her own emotions threatening to surface. Seeing Meesha''s helpless situation made her feel wretched inside.


    Kira reached out, placing a comforting hand on Meesha''s arm. "Don''t worry, Meesha. Everything will be fine. Don''t think too much about it. You were just doing a favor; it wasn''t your fault."


    Meesha shook her head, tears falling down her face. "No, it''s my fault. I killed Sarah; I gave her the medications... and she died because of me."


    Kira''s gaze met Meesha''s, and she felt an overwhelming urge to cry. But she held back, knowing that if she broke down, Meesha would feel even more hopeless. Instead, Kira offered a gentle, reassuring smile, trying to convey that everything would indeed be alright.


    Kira hugged Meesha tightly, patting her head as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. "It wasn''t your fault, don''t cry. Everything will be fine." She whispered softly, "There''s always light at the end of a tunnel. And after every storm, there''s a great sunshine. Let''s just wait for your storm to pass."


    But as the days went by, the situation only worsened. Netizens took to the courts, demanding that Meesha be sentenced to death. Everywhere she went, people pointed fingers and glared at her with angry faces. She couldn''t even walk freely on the streets without being slandered or called a murderer.


    An angry mob once tried to attack her, but fortunately, her bodyguards protected her. Netizens were relentless, adhering to the "Kill and be killed" rule, and all they wanted was to see her dead.


    Meesha became a prisoner in her own home, unable to venture out without facing ridicule and hostility. Her life had lost all meaning, and she spent most of her days crying.


    The pressure from her coworkers in the industry was also overwhelming. They would "accidentally" splash coffee on her, and Meesha couldn''t take it anymore. She quit her job, but not without paying an exorbitant quitting fee.


    Even if she hadn''t quit, no fashion show would have wanted to work with her due to her tarnished reputation. She was seen as a jinx, and any clothing line that advertised with her would face criticism and potentially go out of business.

 Chapter 16: Traumatized

    Meesha didn''t sit on the couch but sat on the floor instead, hugging her knees tightly. She felt scared and traumatized, and all she wanted to do was to hide from the world.


    She turned on her phone and checked her social media accounts. Her eyes welled up with tears as she discovered her inbox was filled with hate messages and comments from strangers.


    All the posts and headlines were about her killing Sarah and demanding justice for her.


    Meesha clicked on a live video and watched it. A mob of angry protesters filled the screen, seemingly rummaging the streets and looking for her.


    "We''re on the lookout for Meesha. If Meesha doesn''t die, it would only give more opportunities to elites like her to take advantage of poor people ¨C like what happened with Natasha last year. We won''t rest till the court decides to kill Meesha."


    As Meesha watched the video, tears fell down her face. She wiped them off, but more followed. She scrolled on to the next video.


    Another video played, showing a woman with a menacing glare:


    "Attention! Attention! No vendors or restaurants should sell food or food supplies to Meesha. Share this video to everyone you know and let the news go around. If she doesn''t want to surrender, she must starve to death."


    Meesha felt a pang hit straight at her heart. Her eyes stung as tears fell down her face.


    No wonder every restaurant and vendors refused to sell anything to her earlier, and Kira had to bring her food supplies.


    Do they hate her that much?


    The woman in the live stream looked into the camera, as if looking directly into Meesha''s eyes, her voice dripping with malice.


    "Meesha, if you''re watching this video right now, this is a warning to you. You better stay locked up in your house or else you''ll die if you come out!"


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Do you think you can get away with this just because you''re rich? Or because you''re famous? You''re a bad person, and I''m going to keep criticizing you until you decide to commit suicide. I''ll make sure you die, Meesha. Just die! Die along with Sarah! Die!"


    Meesha shivered, her body trembling uncontrollably. Her body shook till the phone slipped off her hand.


    The woman curses continued to spew from the screen. "You should die! You don''t deserve to be alive. If you try to eat, you''ll choke and die! Even if you drink water, you''ll choke and cross over to the other side! I''ll make sure you run mad and become mentally unstable! I''ll make your life a living hell! I''ll make sure I ruin you till you have nothing left¡­"


    The words seared into her mind, fueling her anxiety. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and traumatized.


    "You should die! You don''t deserve to be alive!"


    Meesha covered her ears, her hands trembling. Her heart tightened and she felt a sudden suffocation enveloping her.


    Suddenly, the door burst open and Meesha''s heart skipped a beat. She hugged her knees tighter, fear consuming her.


    "Please, don''t hurt me," she begged, tears streaming down her face. "I didn''t kill her on purpose, I didn''t know she was diabetic."


    Kira turned on the lights, and knelt next to Meesha, concern etched on her face. "Meesha, look at me. It''s me; Kira."


    But Meesha kept on crying, "Please¡­ don''t hurt me¡­ please¡­"


    Kira looked at Meesha, sadness creeping into her heart. She held Meesha''s wet face in her hands.


    "Meesha, it''s me, Kira. I won''t hurt you, okay? And I won''t let anyone hurt you."


    Kira hugged Meesha, trying to calm her shaking body. She heard the curses spewing out of the phone, her expression turning furious. She reached out to pick up the phone and turn it off.


    Kira''s face was filled with worry, her voice gentle. "Meesha, I''ve told you not to turn on your phone. There''s nothing good to see there."


    Meesha voice trembled with tears. "Everyone hates me¡­ they all want me to die. I should just end my life."


    "Don''t listen to them, Meesha. They don''t know what really happened," Kira heaved a sigh then spoke softly. "Tough times never last, only tough people do. I know you''re tough and you''ll get thought this. If you ever think about committing suicide, you should consider the people who still loves you and believes you."


    "Me, Calvin, Director Gu, Ava, and Daniel. Daniel loves you so much, how do you think he''ll feel if you commit suicide? If you want to commit suicide, think about the people close to you, we''ll be the one who is hurt the most."


    Meesha''s eyes welled up in tears, but she didn''t say anything.


    "I''ll go cook something for you to eat."


    Saying that, Kira stood up, picked up the grocery bags and walked into the kitchen.


    After twenty minutes, she returned to the living room with a bowl of salad in her hand.


    She saw Meesha still sitting on the floor, her eyes red and her face wet with tears.


    Kira walked over and placed the food tray on the table in front of her, her face filled with worry. "Meesha, you should eat this. You haven''t eaten for days," she said, scooping some of the food, bringing it to her mouth.


    "No, I''m not hungry," Meesha weakly declined, pushing the spoon back.


    "Please, just eat at least two spoons. If you don''t eat, you''ll fall sick again. You know how much trouble we went through the last time you fell sick,"Kira spoke, her heart aching as she remembered the tragic scene.


    Meesha fell very ill, and every hospital, health centers, and clinics refused to provide healthcare.


    Daniel had to write a petition to the government. Only then did a hospital let her in.


    At that moment, the door ragged with knocks.


    Kira stood up to get it but Meesha quickly held her hand, her eyes widening with horror. "No, don''t open the door. They''re here to kill me. Don''t open it."


    Seeing Meesha''s traumatized, Kira replied with a heavy heart. "Okay."

 Chapter 17: How Vulnerable

    Soon, Kira''s phone rang with a call from Daniel. "Kira, are you with Meesha? Her phone is switched off and she''s not answering the door. I''m worried something might have happened to her."


    Kira looked at Meesha, her eyes filled with assurance. "See? It''s just Daniel. I''ll go get the door for him."


    As Kira stood up, Meesha fell into her own abyss, disappearing into her thoughts. She was immune to the conversation around her and could only hear little fragments.


    "I''m glad you''re here. Meesha hasn''t eaten anything since the last two days and she still insists on not eating. I think her mental state is also deteriorating."


    "I''m really worried about her. We can''t even freely take her to the hospital."


    Meesha snapped out of her thoughts as she heard footsteps approaching. She looked up to meet Daniel and Kira''s pitiful gazes.


    Kira patted Meesha''s shoulder before saying, "Bye now. I''ll give you two some space."


    As Kira left the room, Daniel sat down beside Meesha.


    He felt heartbroken seeing her in such a sorry state. He consoled, "Meesha, I''m here now. You should stop crying, okay? I promise, I won''t let anyone hurt you."


    Meesha shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears again. "Everyone hates me, Daniel. They all want me to die."


    Daniel''s face darkened with anger then he looked at Meesha, his gaze softening. "Those people don''t know what they''re talking about. You''re innocent, Meesha."


    Meesha looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears and despair. "But everyone is saying I killed Sarah on purpose. I really didn''t know she was diabetic, I didn''t know she wasn''t suppose to use those drugs¡­" She said, breaking down in tears.


    Daniel embraced her, patting her head. "I believe you, Meesha. Don''t cry anymore."


    Meesha hugged him tighter, burying her head in his chest.


    Daniel felt a pang of sadness as he looked down at Meesha''s hair. He had always liked her, secretly admired her strength and courage. But she had never seen him that way, had always thought of him as just a friend.


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    He felt helpless, not knowing how to make her feel better. He looked at her pale face and the dark circles under her eyes. "Meesha, you look bad. You should take a shower, it will help you cool down."


    But Meesha shook her head weakly and didn''t want to stand up from her position.


    "C''mon, Meesha. Let''s go."


    Daniel gently pulled her up, supporting her as she swayed unsteadily. He then took her upstairs to her bedroom. "Go and take a shower now," he said, his voice soothing.


    Meesha nodded and went weakly into the bathroom. Daniel waited in her bedroom, feeling anxious and worried about her. He knocked on the door a few times to ask if she was okay, making sure she wasn''t trying to harm herself.


    After what felt like an eternity, Meesha came out of the bathroom, wearing a white bathrobe, her eyes looked sunken and exhausted.


    Seeing her hair still dry, Daniel asked, "You didn''t wash your hair?"


    Meesha nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was too tired."


    Daniel felt a pang of sympathy for her. "Come, I''ll help you."


    Meesha looked up at him, a faint smile on her face. "Thanks."


    Daniel smiled back and followed her into the bathroom. He helped her wash her hair, his fingers gently massaging her scalp. Meesha closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh as Daniel worked out the tangles.


    As they finished up, Daniel began to dry her hair with a towel.


    As they went back into the bedroom, Daniel noticed her hair was still wet so he made her sit down on a chair. "I''ll help you blow-dry your hair," he offered.


    Meesha nodded, and Daniel began to gently dry her hair, his fingers stroking her scalp.


    As Daniel finished up, Meesha stood up, looking a bit more steady. "Thank you," Meesha said, looking up at him in appreciation.


    "Anytime, Meesha," Daniel replied. He felt happy that at least, he could help her.


    "I''ll get dressed," Meesha said, her voice a bit weak.


    Daniel nodded, and Meesha went into the closet, emerging a few minutes later in a pair of comfortable-looking pants and a soft sweater.


    "Let''s go downstairs," Daniel said, smiling at her.


    Meesha nodded, and Daniel wrapped one arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to support her as they walked downstairs.


    As they reached the living room, Daniel led Meesha to the couch, but she sat down on the floor instead, her back against the couch.


    Daniel looked at her, concerned. "Meesha, are you okay?"


    Meesha nodded, her eyes fixed on the floor. "I''m just really tired."


    Daniel nodded and brought her the steamed bowl of salad. "Eat something, Meesha. You need to keep your strength up."


    But Meesha shook her head, her voice barely audible. "I''m not hungry."


    Daniel looked at her, worried. "Meesha, you need to eat. You''re weak. Do you want to fall ill again?"


    Meesha looked up at him, her eyes pleading. "I''m just not hungry, Daniel."


    Daniel sighed and sat down beside her. "Okay, but just try a little bit. For my sake."


    Meesha gave in, and Daniel began to feed her, his fingers gently guiding the food to her lips. Meesha ate slowly, her eyes fixed on Daniel''s face. As she ate, Daniel couldn''t help but notice how fragile she looked, how vulnerable. He felt a pang of sadness and concern for her.


    After a few bites, Meesha pushed the plate away. "I''m okay, Daniel. I don''t need any more."


    Daniel nodded, but he could see the exhaustion etched on her face. "Why don''t you lie down for a bit? You can sleep on the couch."


    Meesha nodded, and Daniel helped her lie down on the couch. He covered her with a blanket and sat down beside her.


    As Meesha drifted off to sleep, Daniel couldn''t help but watch her. He felt a deep sense of concern and protectiveness towards her. He wanted to help her, to make her feel safe again.


    As he sat there, Daniel''s thoughts turned to his own feelings for Meesha. He had always liked her, but he had never told her how he felt, had never dared to.


    Now, as he looked at her sleeping form, Daniel felt a pang of regret. He wished he had been brave enough to tell her how he felt, to see if she felt the same way.


    But for now, Daniel just wanted to make her happy, to be able to help Meesha, to be able to support her through this difficult time. He would do anything to help her, to make her feel safe and loved again.


    As Daniel sat there, watching Meesha sleep, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that he would do everything in his power to help Meesha, to be there for her whenever she needed him.

 Chapter 18: Meesha

    ***********


    Meesha woke up to the darkness of nighttime, feeling a hint of improvement. She walked to her kitchen, only to find an array of dishes prepared on the table and in pots. Meesha stared blankly at the food, but her appetite was nonexistent.


    She took a seat at the dining table, her eyes drifting to the cockroaches'' box. Meesha let out a deep sigh, her chest rising and falling. "My life is so miserable," she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Meesha propped her chin with her palm, lost in thought. Her eyes dropped to the table, and her expression saddened as memories of the videos she had watched flooded back. She raised her eyes to look at the cockroaches.


    "Everyone wants me to die," Meesha said, her voice cracking. "Do you think it''s even worth living in a world where everyone hates you?" Tears welled up in her eyes.


    Meesha''s gaze fell on the knife lying on the table. Her fingers wrapped around the hilt, her grip tightening.


    But instead of harming herself, she plunged it into the cream cake in front of her. She stabbed it repeatedly, the icing scattering across the table. As she destroyed the cake, Meesha felt a wave of relief wash over her, easing her emotional pain.


    She scooped up some cream with her finger and licked it off, but the sweetness was lost on her. Meesha slumped back into her chair, her tone resigned. "I''ll just stay indoors forever, till I die of depression and loneliness."


    As she watched the cockroaches scurrying about, a pang of sadness struck Meesha, and her eyes welled up with tears again. She tried to hold them back, but they fell like a dam, streaming down her face.


    Meesha folded her arms on the table, crying into them. Her sobs intensified, filling the room with the only sound. After crying until she was spent, Meesha sniffled, sitting upright. Her sweater sleeves were soaked with tears, and her eyes felt dry and puffy. She wiped away her tears, her face streaked with sadness. Her sweater felt cold and uncomfortable, so she took it off, revealing her plain white T-shirt underneath.


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    Meesha sat motionless for over thirty minutes, her tears dried. Suddenly, a spark of excitement flickered in her eyes, though sadness still lingered. "I have something to show you," she said to the cockroaches, rushing out of the room.


    She returned with a brown bag and sat in front of the cockroach jar, pulling out a green bottle. Meesha moved the bottle closer, wriggling it. "Do you know what this is?" she asked, her brown eyes widening.


    The room fell silent, awaiting a response. Since the cockroaches didn''t reply, Meesha answered herself. "It''s called LIQ-OUR," she said, stressing the last word. "My old friends told me it takes away all pains and sorrows."


    Meesha''s expression turned nostalgic. She remembered when her friends had bought her the liquor during an outing, telling her to drink it when she felt depressed. Now, they had abandoned her, leaving her alone.


    Meesha forced a smile, taking a deep breath. "¡­so I''ll try it out¡­ maybe it would help cure my depression." Summoning her courage, she took a big gulp.


    As the drink touched her tongue, her lips curled irritably. She managed to gulp it down, her face scrunched. "Ugh, it''s so bitter," she said, nauseated.


    Despite the unpleasant taste, Meesha realized the gulp made her feel slightly better. She took another gulp, and another. Slumping back into the chair, her head tilted to the side.


    Meesha''s senses swirled, the liquor coursing through her veins like liquid fire, its warmth spreading through her chest. Yet, amidst the haze, she detected a faint, ominous presence, like a whispered warning. A dark aura seeped into the room, making her skin prickle with unease. The air grew thick with an unsettling energy, making her skin crawl.


    Suddenly, a low, menacing voice whispered behind her, "Meesha."


    Her heart skipped a beat as she froze, unable to move. The voice was hauntingly familiar, sending a shiver down her spine, making her breath catch.


    Her gaze drifted to the floor-to-ceiling door in the kitchen, where a faint reflection of a tall figure in a black coat appeared. Though his face was hazy, something about him seemed very familiar.


    As she turned, her eyes widened with excitement. Xanqer stood a distance away, the same black coat draping over his shoulders.


    Tumbles of dark hair fell around his head, with strands brushing against his forehead, ears, and the back of his neck, accentuating his breathtaking features.


    His eyes seemed to hold a thousand midnights, dark and mysterious and endlessly deep. He had thick and velvety eyebrows that added depth and dimension to his eyes, framing them like a work of art. His nose was straight, and finely proportioned to his other facial features. His lips were lean, a perfect balance of expression and sensuality.


    A small, delicate gold circle glinted in his left ear, adding a touch of understated elegance to his overall look. His face was devastatingly handsome, capable of leaving a lasting impression.


    Her eyes widened, her pupils dilating as she took in his appearance. He looked even more handsome than before.


    But Meesha missed the murderous glint in his eyes, hidden behind a mask of stoic indifference.


    Instead, Meesha felt a rush of happiness, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Xanqer!" she gasped, stumbling out of the chair and running to him. Her face lit up with a bright smile as she wrapped her arms around Xanqer. She inhaled his scent, a subtle blend of leather and wood, her smile widening.


    "You know better than to touch me, Meesha," he said, his voice low and even, but Meesha detected a hint of tension beneath the surface.


    Meesha reluctantly let go of him, taking a step back. She pouted, her vision blurring from the alcohol. "Xanqer, you''re still as cold as ever," she slurred, her words tinged with disappointment. "You left two years ago without even saying a word to me. I was so depressed and cried every day."

 Chapter 19: Unclasped

    Xanqer''s face remained impassive, but he raised an eyebrow. "I don''t recall asking for your tears," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.


    Meesha felt a sting of hurt and a surge of pain at his words. Yet, she summoned a gentle smile, expertly concealing the ache within. "I know you didn''t ask," she said, "¡­ but I just wanted you to know."


    "How touching," Xanqer said, his voice laced with sarcasm. He turned his back on Meesha and walked away, his broad shoulders disappearing into the distance.


    Meesha''s eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Xanqer''s retreating figure. But she swiftly regained her composure, a bright, artificial smile spreading across her lips. She sprinted after Xanqer, her footsteps light.


    "Wait!" she called out, her voice breathless. "Why did you go? Where did you go? Did you go back to your world? What did you do there? How did you even come in? Did you use your magic? Why did you come back? Is it because you missed me?" The questions tumbled out in rapid succession, Meesha''s eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and desperation.


    Xanqer stopped in his tracks, his back still turned to Meesha. He let out a low, annoyed sigh, then in a fluid motion, he turned to face her. His eyes narrowed, his gaze intense and unnerving. "I came back for one reason," he said, his eyes glinting with a cold, calculated light.


    Then, he raised an eyebrow, his tone dismissive. "And what''s with the assumption that I missed you?"


    With that, he turned and walked up the stairs, leaving Meesha feeling shattered. She knew he had always been like this ¨C stoic, menacing, and unyielding.


    A sad pout appeared on her face, her eyes, once shining with excitement, now dimmed with disappointment. She had been waiting for so long for him to return, but now that he did, he wasn''t paying any attention to her, just like he had always been.


    Meesha felt her eyes blurring, and she staggered, her legs wobbly beneath her. She sat down on the stairs, looking up at the path he had just passed. The liquor was taking its toll, and her thoughts grew fuzzy. She heaved a sigh, feeling a wave of sadness wash over her.


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    As the alcohol consumed her, Meesha''s eyelids grew heavy, and she fell asleep, slumped against the wall.


    *********


    [THE NEXT MORNING]


    Meesha woke up to the warm sunlight shining on her face from the large window. She yawned and stretched, her muscles aching from the awkward position she''d slept in. As she reached up to rub her eyes, her hand instinctively went to her head instead, where a sharp headache was throbbing. "Oow!" She winced.


    She remembered the events of the previous night, and how she''d had too much to drink. The hangover was now making its presence known. Meesha lay down sideways on the stairs, looking up at the white ceiling with her palm on her throbbing head.


    Had she really seen Xanqer last night, or was it just her imagination playing tricks on her? She wished he were really here, even though he was as cold as ice. She heaved a sigh and sat up, massaging the sides of her head with her fingers.


    As she stood up, she felt something digging into her back - her bra hook. She hated wearing bras overnight, and now it was uncomfortable. Reaching behind her, she unclasped the bra and slid the straps off her arms. As she pulled the bra out from under her clothes, she looked up to see Xanqer standing at the bottom of the stairs.


    Her eyes widened in shock, and she froze, the bra still clutched in her hand. Xanqer''s gaze locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. Meesha''s heart skipped a beat as she realized that she hadn''t imagined him after all. He was really here.


    Xanqer''s gaze dropped to the bra clutched in Meesha''s hand, and he raised an eyebrow. Meesha''s face flushed with embarrassment as she quickly hid the bra behind her back.


    Xanqer turned back and walked away, leaving Meesha feeling mortified. But beneath her embarrassment, she was also shocked and thrilled. So Xanqer had really come back?


    Meesha''s happiness got the better of her, and she snuck down the stairs, careful not to make a sound. She peeked around the corner and saw Xanqer in the dining room, his eyes fixed on his laptop screen.


    Meesha quickly put her bra back on, clasping it securely and adjusting the straps. With her clothing back in order, she ran down the stairs, excitement radiating from her very being.


    Meesha''s shyness about the earlier bra incident threatened to hold her back, but her excitement propelled her towards Xanqer. She approached him, her voice delightful. "So, you really came back yesterday? I thought I had hallucinated."


    Xanqer didn''t respond, his gaze fixed on his laptop screen. Meesha felt a pang of sadness, but she quickly recovered. She sat down in front of him at the dining table, her eyes locked on his profile. "I''ve really missed you," she said, her voice filled with emotion.


    Xanqer remained silent, his indifferent gaze still on his laptop. Meesha tried again. "I''m glad you''re back."


    Still, there was no response.


    Undeterred, Meesha asked, "If you don''t want to talk to me, can you at least tell me why you left without telling me? I was depressed and cried every day."


    Xanqer finally looked up at her, his expression unreadable. Meesha''s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met.


    Just then, Meesha''s phone rang, breaking the tense moment. She glanced at it and saw Kira''s name flashing at the screen. She got up and walked out of the dining room to answer the call.


    Kira''s voice was elated on the other end. "Meesha, come to the industry quickly. I have a way to fix everything. I''ve sent your driver and bodyguards over. Get dressed and come quickly!" The call disconnected abruptly.


    Meesha wondered what Kira had discovered. She hoped it was something positive. Reluctantly, she tore her gaze away from Xanqer and marched up the stairs to get dressed.

 Chapter 20: Ten Thousand Roses To Marry You

    Meesha transformed into a stunning vision, donning beautiful clothes and light makeup, hoping to catch Xanqer''s eye. As she gazed at her reflection, she felt a surge of confidence. It had been a long time since she''d looked this good. The incident with Sarah had left her depressed and unhappy, neglecting her own well-being.


    Downstairs, she found Xanqer in the dining room, his eyes still fixed on his laptop screen. "Xanqer, I''m going out. I''ll be back soon," she said, beaming with happiness. Xanqer grunted a response, barely glancing up at her. Meesha felt a twinge of disappointment, but she maintained her joy. "Goodbye," she said, leaving the house.


    Her driver and bodyguards greeted her warmly, surprised by her radiant smile. Meesha got into the car, and they drove her to the modeling industry.


    As the car pulled up, Kira approached, taken aback by Meesha''s stunning appearance. Yesterday, Meesha was in tears, but today she sparkled with happiness, her beauty shining like a beacon. Meesha smiled and hugged Kira excitedly, her perfume wafting through the air, a sweet blend of floral scents. "Kira, you won''t believe what happened yesterday," she gushed.


    Kira''s curiosity was piqued. "What happened?" Meesha''s eyes shone with happiness. "Xanqer came back last night!"


    Kira gasped. "He did?"


    Meesha nodded enthusiastically. "Yes."


    Kira smiled, thrilled that Meesha''s long-awaited reunion had finally occurred. "Wow, Meesha. I''m so happy for you."


    Kira asked, her eyes sparkling with interest. "What happened? What did he say?"


    Meesha''s face scrunched up in thought. "He didn''t say much; he''s still cold, but I''m hoping to break through his iciness."


    Kira smiled reassuringly. "You''ll surely succeed." As they walked, Kira flattered Meesha, hugging her arm. "Meesha, you look breathtaking today. If I were a man, I''d send ten thousand roses to marry you."


    Meesha chuckled in amusement at Kira''s compliment. She was about to respond when Paulina appeared, her face twisted into a hateful snarl.


    Paulina stood before them, her arms crossed, radiating hostility. "What are you two doing here?"


    Meesha''s smile faltered as Paulina''s gaze locked onto hers. "And you, you still have the guts to show up here?" Paulina sneered. "Haven''t you been blacklisted? You know, for killing Sarah."


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    Meesha felt a pang of sorrow, as the pain of Sarah''s death recovered. Kira''s eyes flashed with anger, her fist clenched at her side.


    "That''s enough, Paulina!" Kira warned, her voice firm. "She didn''t kill Sarah. Stop pushing the blame on her."


    Paulina''s sneer deepened. "Oh, so now you''re defending a murderer?" she taunted. "Birds of a feather."


    Meesha''s eyes dropped, the weight of Paulina''s accusations bearing down on her. Kira stepped forward, her voice rising.


    "You have no right to accuse Meesha of something she didn''t do on purpose."


    Paulina scoffed, her voice filled with mockery. "Didn''t do on purpose?" she repeated. "As if."


    Kira pulled Meesha away, her voice laced with scorn. "Let''s go, Meesha. We have nothing to say to her."


    As they walked further inside, Meesha''s ex-colleagues pointed fingers and whispered gossip. Kira noticed Meesha''s happy mood begin to falter, and she felt a pang of sadness.


    "Meesha, don''t let them ruin your mood," Kira said, trying to reassure her. "Come, I want to show you something."


    Meesha''s curiosity was piqued, and she followed Kira upstairs to the surveillance room. Kira led her inside, where multiple screens displayed footage from various areas of the industry.


    The security man greeted Kira, who responded before turning to Meesha. "Meesha, I think something is off. Sarah had type two diabetes, right?"


    Meesha nodded, and Kira continued, "Patients with type two diabetes aren''t prone to sudden fevers?"


    Meesha''s expression turned puzzled. "They''re not?"


    "Yes," Kira replied, her eyes locked onto Meesha''s. "While reviewing the footage from the day Sarah died, we found something suspicious."


    Meesha''s interest was piqued. "What is it?" she asked.


    Kira signaled the security man, who played a footage. "See, this was two hours before Sarah died. You can see Sarah walking into the cafeteria, and Paulina is watching her from afar."


    Meesha''s eyes widened as she watched. Kira continued, "When Sarah enters the cafeteria, the footage cuts off and skips to an empty cafeteria."


    Meesha''s voice was laced with realization. "Someone deleted it."


    Kira''s expression turned grim. "Someone''s trying to hide something. Probably Paulina. She was jealous and outraged when Sarah got selected as the lead model."


    Meesha nodded, but a memory resurfaced. "But I gave Sarah the medicine, and she died because of it."


    Kira said, "Watch this footage."


    The security guard played another footage, showing Paulina walking towards Meesha''s dressing room. Meesha''s eyes locked onto the screen.


    After watching the footage, Meesha gasped. "She went into my dressing room?"


    Kira nodded, her expression serious. "Where''s the medicine you gave Sarah?" She asked, her voice urgent.


    Meesha replied, "It''s in my dressing room."


    Kira''s eyes sparkled with determination. "Let''s go get it."


    [IN MEESHA''S DRESSING ROOM]


    Meesha handed Kira the medicine sachet from her cabinet. Kira compared it to an identical sachet she had purchased from the pharmacy. She poured out some pills from each sachet, and they examined them carefully. Meesha gasped as she noticed a slight difference.


    "Someone switched the pills!" Meesha exclaimed.


    Kira nodded. "It must be Paulina. She must have replaced them with medicine restricted for diabetic patients."


    Meesha felt a mix of emotions: shock at Paulina''s treachery and relief that she might finally clear her name and get justice for Sarah.


    "Should we take this to court?" Meesha asked.


    Kira hesitated. "We don''t have enough evidence. If we show them the pills, they might think we tampered with them. And with the footage erased, we have no proof."


    Meesha''s face fell, but then an idea struck her. "Let''s check the security footage inside my dressing room. We haven''t checked that yet."


    Kira''s eyes lit up. "That''s true."


    Kira quickly checked the CCTV camera number and accessed the footage on her laptop. As they scrolled through the recordings, they found a footage from the day Sarah died. However, the footage abruptly ended after Meesha left the room, only to resume when she returned.


    Meesha frowned, her brows furrowing. "How could it have skip like that? I was gone for hours."

 Chapter 21: Design My Face

    Kira said again. "Paulina must have deleted it. She''s trying to cover her tracks."


    Meesha felt helpless, but Kira offered a glimmer of hope. "I''ll call Mark, a hacker who can help us revive the footage."


    Meesha eyes shone with happiness. "Really?"


    Kira nodded and called Mark, sending him the CCTV camera number. Mark agreed to help, and Meesha and Kira felt a sense of relief.


    As they left the room, Vanessa watched them from afar, feeling uneasy. She knew Meesha was getting close to the truth, and when she did, Vanessa would be in trouble too.


    Vanessa quickly found Paulina and urged her to follow. "Paulina, come with me."


    Paulina asked, her voice curious. "Where are we going?"


    Vanessa replied, her tone urgent. "Just come with me."


    Paulina nodded and they set off together.


    Meanwhile, Meesha and Kira left the industry and walked to the nearby coffee shop. Kira picked up her four-year-old son, Gabriel, and thanked the kind cashier who had watched him. Meesha was surprised to see her return with Gabriel. "You brought him with you?"


    Kira smiled, "Yes. It''s Sunday, and there''s no school today. Gabriel doesn''t like being left alone with the housekeepers, so I had to bring him along."


    Gabriel greeted Meesha with a bright smile. "Good morning, Auntie."


    Meesha rubbed his hair, feeling a warmth in her heart. "How are you doing?" she asked.


    "I''m fine, thank you," Gabriel replied politely.


    Kira suggested they head to Meesha''s house to await the footage, and to also see Xanqer again. Meesha chatted with Gabriel as they drove home.


    Upon arriving, Meesha opened the door, and they all entered. Kira sat on the couch, asking in a hushed tone, "Where''s your prince charming?"


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    Meesha''s cheeks flushed as she replied, "He must be upstairs."


    Just then, Kira''s phone rang. Mark was on the line, announcing that he had revived the footage and sent it to her phone. Their faces lit up with happiness upon his announcement.


    Then, Xanqer descended the stairs, holding a file. Kira''s eyes widened slightly as she saw him. He looked even more handsome than she remembered. She smiled at him, but Xanqer ignored her and turned away to the dining room.


    Kira was flustered, taken aback by his haughty behavior. "He''s too snobbish."


    Meesha chuckled, her eyes darting to Xanqer. "I guess so."


    Kira''s attention shifted back to the task at hand. "Let''s check the footage," she said, her eyes locking onto her phone.


    As she scrolled through her phone, Gabriel''s small hands grasped her arm, his fingers wrapping tightly around her wrist. His bright, curious eyes sparkled as he gazed at Xanqer, his face alight with wonder.


    "Mommy, who''s that?" Gabriel asked, his voice filled with awe, his tiny finger pointing at Xanqer.


    Meesha gently placed Gabriel''s hand back at his side, before Xanqer could notice. Kira smiled. "Shh, that''s Aunt Meesha''s friend, Xanqer."


    Gabriel''s gaze lingered on Xanqer, his expression filled with admiration. "Mommy, I want to look like him when I grow up," he exclaimed, his voice filled with determination. "Make sure you design my face to look like his."


    Meesha and Kira exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared amusement. Then, they burst out laughing, their outburst synchronized.


    Meesha ruffled Gabriel''s hair. "Your mom can''t design your face, sweetie," she said, her voice still laced with laughter. "You''ll grow up to look handsome just like your dad."


    Gabriel''s face scrunched up in thought, his brow furrowed. "No, I don''t want Daddy''s face," he said stubbornly. "I want his face." He pointed at Xanqer, his eyes shining with admiration.


    Kira was taken aback. "Gabriel, if your dad will be disappointed if he hears that."


    Gabriel''s face set in a resolute expression, his chin jutting out. "I don''t care," he said, his voice rising. "I just want his face. Waaaaaah!!" He burst into tears, his small body shaking with sobs.


    Meesha quickly intervened, her voice soothing as she coaxed him. "Okay, okay, Gabriel. You''ll look like him, okay?" She glanced at Kira, who raised an eyebrow.


    Gabriel''s tears subsided, replaced by a look of hopeful excitement. "Really?" he asked, his voice trembling.


    Meesha smiled reassuringly. "Yes, really."


    Gabriel''s face lit up with a triumphant grin. "Yay!" he exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air.


    Kira shook her head, laughing. "Unbelievable."


    Meesha handed Gabriel her phone. "Here, Gabriel. You can play games on this while your mom and I talk."


    Gabriel''s eyes widened with excitement as he took the phone. "Thank you, Auntie!" He settled down on the rug, tapping away at the screen with eager fingers.


    Kira watched her son, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on her face. "He''s something else."


    Meesha agreed, nodding her head. "He''s surely going to be a handful when he grows up."


    ********


    [ SUPREME HIGH COURT ]


    Paulina stood at the defendant''s table, her eyes scanning the crowded courtroom. Reporters lined the sides, their cameras and microphones at the ready. Vanessa stood at the plaintiff''s table, her expression calm and collected. She felt confused, unable to understand why she was at the defendant''s table, but Vanessa gave her a reassuring gaze.


    The judge entered, and the courtroom fell silent. "This court is now in session. Miss Hauls, you have brought forth allegations against Miss Spears. Please state your case."


    Vanessa stood, her voice clear and confident. "Your Honor, esteemed members of the court, I am here today to reveal the truth about the death of Sarah, a talented model and friend. After conducting my own investigation, I have found irrefutable evidence that proves Paulina''s guilt."


    Paulina''s eyes widened in shock. "What?" she exclaimed.


    Vanessa''s gaze locked onto Paulina''s. "I''m sorry, Paulina. But I can no longer hide your secrets despite the fact that you threatened to kill me. You were jealous of Sarah''s success, and you deliberately added a solution to her food, knowing it would exacerbate her diabetes. You then switched the medications in Meesha''s dressing room, framing her for your crime."

 Chapter 22: Life Imprisonment

    The courtroom erupted into a flurry of whispers and gasps. Paulina''s face turned red with rage. "Kill you? Vanessa, what are you sayin g? Aren''t we in this together?


    Vanessa quickly denied, feigning sincerity. "No, it was all you." She turned to the judge. "I have evidence, Your Honor. CCTV footage that captures the entire event. I request permission to submit it as evidence."


    As Vanessa stepped forward, Paulina screamed, "Don''t believe her! She''s lying! I won''t take this!"


    The custodian intervened, his voice firm. "Order, Miss Paulina! This is a courtroom, not a place for outbursts. Please refrain from disrupting the proceedings."


    Paulina seethed, her fists clenched, but she remained silent, her eyes blazing with anger.


    The attendant inserted the USB given by Vanessa into his computer and clicked on the video. The large screen in front of the room flickered to life, displaying the footage.


    In the first video, Sarah sat alone at a table, eating her lunch. A few minutes passed before she got up and walked into the ladies'' bathroom. As soon as she disappeared from view, Paulina snuck into the frame, her eyes darting around nervously. She poured something into Sarah''s juice, her movements swift and deliberate.


    Vanessa appeared in the corner of the screen, watching Paulina from the window. The footage ended abruptly, and Paulina''s face contorted in rage.


    "Vanessa is also part of the scheme!" Paulina screamed, pointing accusingly at Vanessa. "Can''t you see her standing at the window?"


    Vanessa stood calmly, her voice even. "I saw Paulina acting suspiciously, so I followed her to the cafeteria. That''s why I was standing at the window. Don''t try to shift the blame onto me."


    Paulina''s fists clenched, her nails digging deep into her skin. "You liar! You were standing there because you accompanied me to poison Sarah''s drink!"


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    Vanessa feigned innocence, her voice calm. "Just stop lying, Paulina. It won''t change anything. Don''t you remember? After you left the cafeteria, you caught me standing there. You were scared I''d reveal you, so you threatened to kill me."


    Paulina''s face went white, her eyes wide with shock. When did all those events ever happen? After she left the cafeteria, Vanessa had congratulated her on a job well done.


    Before Paulina could speak, the judge''s stern voice cut in. "Let''s watch the second video."


    The screen flickered to life once more, displaying the second video. Paulina sneaked into Meesha''s dressing room, pouring the contents of a bottle into her pocket. She replaced it with identical-looking pills, her movements urgent.


    The video ended, and the judge''s gaze locked onto Paulina''s. "Wasn''t that you in the footage? Will you try to blame it on Mrs. Hauls again?"


    Paulina''s lip trembled, her eyes blazing with desperation. "Vanessa asked me to do it," she spat, her voice venomous. "She gave me the drugs and told me to switch them. She said if I wanted to rise to fame, I had to eliminate Sarah."


    Vanessa''s expression transformed into one of innocence. "Me? I didn''t say that. She''s lying."


    Paulina''s voice rose to a shrill, her face reddening. "Vanessa, you bitch! You asked me to change the medications; it was all your doing!"


    Vanessa shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "It wasn''t me. You switched the medications and poisoned Sarah''s drink. I knew you''d try to erase the footage, so I copied them as soon as you left those places."


    Vanessa''s face contorted into a sad expression, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "If I had known what you did was to kill Sarah, I would have revealed the truth despite your threats to kill me."


    Paulina''s eyes widened in outrage. "So you''re pretending to be sad now? It''s true that your acting skills are unbeatable," Paulina sneered. "You erased the footage yourself. All you wanted was to kill Sarah and tarnish Meesha''s image. You''re jealous of Meesha because she''s beautiful, and because she got more admiration than you in the Fire&Ice perfume advertisement."


    Vanessa''s anger flashed, but she quickly composed herself, smoothing out her voice. "I don''t know where you got that intuition from. Meesha and I don''t have any grudges against each other."


    Vanessa skillfully changed the subject. "I''m shocked you''d slander me like this. I''ve always wanted the best for you, but I never knew you were capable of killing someone."


    Paulina''s face twisted in rage. "That''s a lie! She''s lying!" She lunged at Vanessa, but the security guards quickly restrained her. "You backstabber! You liar! You''ll definitely pay for this Vanessa!"


    The judge banged his gavel, his voice firm. "Order! Paulina Spears, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Sarah. You will also pay a fine of five million dollars to Meesha Dasilva for defamation and damages. Additionally, you will write a sincere letter of apology to Meesha Dasilva."


    The courtroom erupted into a buzz of conversations. "Oh my God, she actually made Meesha take the blame!"


    "Paulina is so treacherous!"


    As the guards led Paulina away, she hurled curses at Vanessa. "You''ll never have a good ending! You''ll be struck by lightning! You''ll die a miserable death!"


    Vanessa let out a sigh of relief, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Things had unfolded exactly as she had planned. She had cleared her name, and no one suspected her. In fact, she had even garnered sympathetic comments from her fans.


    As she glanced back at Paulina, who was being dragged away, Vanessa felt a thrill of excitement. She turned and walked out of the courtroom, her head held high.

 Chapter 23: He Doesnt Eat People

    **********


    [IN MEESHA''S HOUSE]


    "Let''s watch the footage," Kira reminded, scrolling through her phone once again. As they watched, their eyes widened in shock.


    "I knew it! I knew it was Paulina who switched the pills," Kira exclaimed, her voice scornful. "She even poisoned Sarah''s drink. That devilish child!"


    Meesha rewound the footage, her eyes scanning the scene. "Isn''t that Vanessa standing over there?" she asked, pointing to the screen.


    Kira glanced at the footage, nodding her head. "Yes, it''s her."


    Meesha turned to Kira, her brow furrowed. "Do you think she has something to do with it?"


    Kira''s expression was thoughtful. "We''ll figure that out later. Let''s just go file a lawsuit first and clear your name."


    Meesha agreed, and for a moment, they both glanced at Gabriel, who sat on the rug in the living room, his fingers tapping immensely on Meesha''s phone screen.


    Kira heaved a sigh. "We can''t bring him with us, he''ll only cause trouble there."


    Meesha contemplated the situation before suggesting, "Let''s leave him with Xanqer."


    As soon as Xanqer heard his name, his gaze snapped to Meesha, his voice low and menacing. "You want me to babysit a child?"


    Meesha pouted. "Please, it''s just for a few¨C"


    Kira intervened, covering Meesha''s mouth with her palm. "It''s fine. We don''t need you to watch over Gabriel."


    Meesha tried to speak, her voice muffled against Kira''s palm as she was pulled away.


    When they reached the far side living room, Kira let go of Meesha. "You want me to leave my son with him?" she asked.


    Meesha''s expression turned skeptical. "What''s wrong with him?"


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    Kira spoke, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Can''t you see? He''s so scary. What if he tries to eat my Gabriel?" she said, her eyes darting to Xanqer.


    Meesha waved off her concern with an amused chuckle. "Don''t worry, he doesn''t eat people."


    Just then, Kira''s phone buzzed with notifications, followed by an incoming call. "Kira, check your Instagram right now! The matter has already been resolved! Check it quickly!"


    Meesha blinked in confusion. "It has been resolved? But we haven''t even taken it to court yet."


    "Just check your Instagram!" The other party urged, her voice laced with urgency.


    Kira did as she was told and opened her Instagram app, while Meesha scooted closer to see. As soon as she opened the app, they were stunned to see that Vanessa had already taken the matter to court and had provided the same evidence of Paulina as the murderer.


    Meesha looked at Kira, startled. "The matter has already been solved?"


    Kira nodded, surprise written all over her face. "Yes, it seems so. But why would Vanessa go against Paulina to suddenly help Sarah get justice? That''s so unlike her."


    Meesha''s eyes narrowed. "I''m sure she has something to do with it."


    As soon as she finished speaking, the doorbell rang. Meesha walked to get the door, and her eyes widened in shock as she saw a crowd of people occupying the whole lane.


    No, not just the whole lane, the entire street.


    Meesha was taken aback by the crowd large enough for a concert audience, her mind reeling.


    Who were this people? And what were they doing here?


    A young woman holding a speaker squeezed her way out of the crowd and spoke to Meesha. "Hi! I''m Helen. The leader of your fan club."


    Meesha was stunned. She never knew she had had an active fan club as large as that.


    Helen spoke, her eyes apologetic. "I tried to gather as much fans as I could so we can all apologize to you."


    "We''re so sorry, Meesha," someone shouted through the crowd.


    "Yes, we''re sorry. Please forgive us," Another said.


    And the others murmured words of apologies.


    Helen frowned at the crowd, speaking ear-piercingly into the speakerphone. "You idiots! Do you think your apology is enough for Meesha to forgive us? Let''s sing the song we wrote for her."


    Meesha was taken aback once again. "A song?"


    Helen smiled nicely, nodding her head. "Yes," she replied before facing the crowd. "You''ll all sing in the count of three! One, Two, Three. Go!"


    The crowd, along with Helen, sang a song, their voices filling the air. Meesha was taken aback, unsure of how to react.


    ? We were blind, we were wrong ?


    ? We judged you without a song ?


    ? We didn''t know the truth?


    ?Yeah, because we''re dumb?


    ? Forgive us, Meesha, for our mistakes ?


    ? We were misled, our hearts were at stake?


    ? We know we can''t turn back time?


    ? But we hope you can find it in your heart to forgive out crime ?


    ? We should have stood by you, through thick and thin?


    ? But instead, we turned our backs, and let you sink within ?


    ? The darkness of doubt, the pain of shame ?


    ?We''re sorry Meesha, for playing with your flame?


    ? We know we cant erase the past ?


    ? But we hope our apology will forever last ?


    ? We''ll stand by you now, through every test ?


    ? And we''ll be your shield, your loyal best ?


    Meesha''s eyes welled up with tears as she listened to the heartfelt apology song.


    Helen stepped forward, her voice apologetic. "Please, forgive us. We''ve said a lot of bad things about you in the past," she paused for a moment before speaking up. "I''ll read the letter of apology we wrote for you."


    Helen''s voice trembled as she read from the letter. "Dear Meesha, we apologize for our thoughtless words and actions. We were blinded by misinformation and misled by our own biases. We realize now that we were wrong to judge you without knowing the truth."


    Meesha''s gaze drifted to the crowd, seeing the sincerity in their faces. She felt a lump form in her throat as Helen continued reading, her heart filled with warmth.


    "If you had died, we wouldn''t have been able to forgive ourselves. We would have lived with the guilt of having wronged an innocent person. We were so caught up in our own self-righteousness that we didn''t stop to consider the consequences of our actions."

 Chapter 24: Handsome Appearance

    Meesha''s eyes overflowed with tears as Helen finished reading. She felt a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that the people who had once wronged her had seen the light and were now seeking forgiveness.


    Meesha smiled, her eyes shining with kindness. "Thank you. I''ve forgiven you all already. You were just misled, and it wasn''t your fault."


    The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, relieved that Meesha had forgiven them.


    Helen hesitated shyly before asking, "Can...can I hug you?"


    Meesha smiled kindly and opened her arms. "Of course."


    As Helen hugged her, the rest of the crowd began to murmur, asking for hugs as well.


    But she couldn''t hug them all.


    Meesha just hugged a few of them, feeling a sense of closure and healing.


    The crowd began to disperse, but not before they expressed their admiration for Meesha''s forgiving spirit. "If it were me, I wouldn''t have forgiven us so easily."


    "I agree. Do you believe we once wanted Meesha dead for an offense she didn''t eve. commit?"


    "Thinking about it makes me feel bad."


    "She must have gone through a lots of trauma from all the hate and slandering. If it were me, I would have committed suicide long ago."


    "I know, right? Our Meesha is so strong. We should be thankful she didn''t hurt herself because of us."


    As the crowd left, Meesha noticed a surge in her social media followers. In less than an hour, she had gained 50 million new followers, surpassing her previous record.


    Videos of apologies and forgiveness flooded the Internet, with many using the hashtags #We''resorryMeesha.


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    #SongapologyforMeesha


    A TikTok challenge emerged, with fans singing a song of apology and using viral hashtags.


    The outpouring of support and apology was overwhelming, and Meesha felt grateful for the opportunity to heal and move forward.


    *********


    During dinner, Meesha gazed at Xanqer, a warm smile on her face. "Xanqer, I''m so glad my career is back to normal," she said, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.


    Xanqer didn''t respond, his attention focused on his food. Meesha''s smile faltered for a moment, but she continued, undeterred. "Xanqer, you''re my lucky charm. As soon as you came back, good things started happening to me."


    Xanqer raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. Meesha nodded enthusiastically, her ponytail bobbing up and down. "It''s true. You have a way of bringing good fortune into my life."


    Xanqer''s gaze narrowed, his eyes piercing as he studied Meesha. For a moment, she felt like he could see right through her, to the deepest recesses of her heart. Then, without a word, he returned to eating, his expression impassive.


    Meesha felt a pang of disappointment, her smile faltering. She had been hoping for some acknowledgment, some sign that Xanqer cared. But as she gazed at him, she couldn''t help but feel drawn to his stoic nature, his handsome face. She heaved a deep sigh.


    "How can you be so handsome?" she wondered, her lips pouting slightly. "You keep making me fall in love with you over and over again. Out of all the men I''ve met, only you have won my heart...and you don''t even seem to care."


    [THE NEXT MORNING]


    Meesha lounged on the couch, watching TV and snacking on popcorn from a bowl. The sound of Xanqer''s voice carried from upstairs, and she turned to see him descending the stairs. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in his appearance.


    Xanqer was dressed in a tailored, dark blue suit that perfectly accentuated his broad shoulders and chiseled physique. Underneath, a crisp white dress shirt provided a sharp contrast, its starched collar framing his face.


    A rich blue vest added a luxurious layer, buttoned neatly over the shirt. A slim patterned tie in a subtle, complementary hue added a touch of sophistication.


    Finally, a long, dark coat draped elegantly over his shoulders, its tailored silhouette adding a touch of elegance to his already imposing figure. His black hair fell in tumbles around his head, adding a touch of charm. Meesha''s heart skipped a beat as she took in his handsome appearance.


    Meesha smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. She stood up from the couch and walked over to Xanqer, who was still on his phone call. His expression was stoic, his voice low and menacing.


    "You what?" Xanqer asked, his tone dripping with disdain. "I''m coming there right now. By the time I get there, you all won''t be spared."


    Meesha wondered who was on the receiving end of Xanqer''s wrath. She decided to wait until he finished his call before speaking to him.


    As soon as Xanqer hung up, Meesha asked, "Where are you going?"


    Xanqer''s expression remained Indifferent. "To my office."


    Meesha remembered Millennium Co. ¨C Xanqer''s multi-trillion dollar company. But then, her eyes widened in surprise. "Can you go out?"


    Xanqer''s response was matter-of-fact. "It''s been a year."


    Meesha nodded. "Oh¡­"


    Just then, the doorbell rang, and Meesha went to answer it. She found Davis, Xanqer''s personal assistant, standing outside. "Oh, Davis. It''s been ages seen I''ve seen you," she said, a bright smile on her face.


    But Davis remained formal, as always. "Yes, Miss Dasilva."


    Davis walked in and collected Xanqer''s briefcase with a respectful bow. Xanqer checked his watch and turned to Davis. "Let''s go."


    Meesha felt a pang of disappointment that Xanqer was leaving already. She tried to remain cheerful, though. "Goodbye!"


    Xanqer didn''t respond, simply walking away without a backward glance. Davis opened the car door for him, and Xanqer slid into the backseat. Davis shut the door and got into the driver''s seat.


    Meesha waved enthusiastically as the car drove off. "Bye! Have a safe trip! See you at dinner!" she called out, even though she knew Xanqer wouldn''t apprehend her.

 Chapter 25: Murderer And Victim

    *******


    As the car pulled away from the curb, Xanqer''s gaze flicked to the window, where Meesha''s waving figure disappeared from view. Davis''s eyes met his in the rearview mirror, a hint of concern etched on his face.


    "Mr. Qren, the full moon is in 27 days," Davis said, his tone measured. "You still have time left¨C"


    Xanqer''s voice cut through the air, cold and detached. "I''ll kill her before then."


    Davis''s expression remained neutral, but a flicker of hesitation danced in his eyes. "Sir, you should make sure you do it as soon as possible, to avoid any... complications."


    Xanqer''s response was immediate, his words dripping with menace. "I''ll do it tonight," he concluded. "I''ll kill her when I return."


    ******


    Meesha watched as Xanqer''s car disappeared from view, feeling a pang of disappointment that he had to leave. She wished he could stay home instead of going to his office.


    By afternoon, Meesha got dressed and ready for her photoshoot appointment. Kira arrived to pick her up, and Meesha spent the next few hours posing in front of cameras.


    After the photoshoot, Meesha returned home early, eager to see Xanqer when he came back. She waited patiently, and by 8 pm, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside.


    Excited, Meesha stood up and opened the door. She saw Xanqer talking to Davis in front of his car. When he saw her, he said something to Davis before walking towards the house.


    Meesha felt a thrill of excitement at seeing Xanqer again. But as he approached, he barely glanced at her, his expression stoic as always. Meesha was used to his reserved nature, so she didn''t let it faze her.


    "Welcome back," she said, smiling. "Come down for dinner when you''re ready."


    No response.


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    Xanqer headed upstairs, his expression unchanging. Meesha waited for him to come down, and when he did, they sat down to dinner together.


    Meesha tried to start a conversation, but Xanqer seemed uninterested, responding with monosyllabic answers. Meesha didn''t push the issue, instead focusing on her food.


    Meesha savored each bite of her dinner. Suddenly, she felt Xanqer''s intense gaze on her. She looked up from her plate, and their eyes met. Xanqer''s gaze was narrowed, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intent.


    Meesha''s eyes drifted down to the table, and she saw the glint of a knife in Xanqer''s hand. The blade was positioned mere inches from her neck, the edge glinting menacingly in the light. But Meesha didn''t flinch, her expression remaining serene, with only a hint of curiosity.


    Xanqer''s eyes seemed to bore into her skin, analyzing the delicate curve of her neck. He moved the knife, practicing the motion, his hand hovering mere millimeters from her skin. Meesha blinked three times, her voice innocent and unaffected. "Xanqer, what are you doing?"


    But Xanqer didn''t respond, his eyes fixed on her neck, his gaze cold and calculating. He seemed to be savoring the moment, relishing the power he held over her life.


    After what felt like an eternity, Xanqer''s gaze snapped back to Meesha''s face. She sat there, her expression was tranquil, and her face lit up with a smile.


    Xanqer''s eyebrow arched, his eyes narrowing in confusion. How could she remain so calm, so serene, when faced with death?


    Xanqer''s face twisted into a snarl, his hand tightening around the knife. He leaned forward, raising the knife to strike.


    But Meesha''s hands shot up, covering the side of her face. She giggled, peeking at Xanqer through her fingers. "Xanqer, you don''t play ''Murderer and Victim'' with a real knife."


    Xanqer''s face froze, his hand still holding the knife mere inches from Meesha''s neck. He seemed speechless, his eyes locked on Meesha''s smiling face. Meesha''s hands rose, and she reached out, collecting the knife from Xanqer''s hand. Her smile never wavered, and Xanqer''s eyes narrowed, his mind reeling with confusion.


    How could she be so... cheerful? So oblivious to the danger that had just passed? Xanqer''s eyes locked onto Meesha''s smile, his expression twisted into a scowl. He couldn''t wait to erase that smile from her face.


    Xanqer''s eyes narrowed, his voice low and menacing. "What''s this ''Murderer and Victim'' game?"


    Meesha''s smile widened as she explained, "It''s a game we used to play when we were kids. One person is the murderer, and the other is the victim. The murderer has to pretend to kill the victim, and the victim has to pretend to be scared."


    Xanqer''s gaze intensified, his voice dripping with malice. "Let''s play," he said, a cold, calculated smile on his face.


    Meesha''s face lit up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yay! I''ll go get my pretend knife."


    Xanqer''s eyes narrowed as he watched her skip up the stairs, her laughter echoing through the hallway.


    Meesha returned with a pretend knife, her smile radiant. "Here''s the knife."


    Xanqer''s voice was low and deadly. "Good."


    Meesha smiled, feeling a surge of happiness. She felt happy that Xanqer was willing to play murderer and victim with her.


    She felt a flutter in her chest as Xanqer held her wrist, leading her to the living room. "I''m the murderer, and you''re the victim."


    Meesha nodded enthusiastically, her heart racing with excitement.


    Xanqer''s voice was commanding as he pointed towards the couch with the pretend knife. "Now lie down on the couch."


    Meesha pretended to be scared, her eyes wide with fear. She lay down on the couch, smiling at Xanqer.


    Xanqer looked at her smiling face and scoffed. His eyes seemed to gleam with malevolence as he played along. "Close your eyes so I can butcher you."


    Meesha''s voice trembled, her eyes closing obediently. "Oh no! Please don''t butcher me."


    Xanqer''s voice was deadly, his words sending shivers down Meesha''s spine. "I''ll start with your hand."


    He went down on one knee next to her, switching the pretend knife with a real knife.


    He held her delicate wrist, his fingers wrapping around it like a vice.

 Chapter 26: Thank You, Ghost

    Meesha''s eyes flew open as she felt a searing pain. She looked up at Xanqer, her eyes watering with tears.


    Xanqer''s eyes locked onto hers, his expression indifferent. But as he looked at her crying face, he felt a pang of¡­ something. Like a pang of guilt for hurting her.


    He had killed thousands of people without batting an eyelid, but now he felt a twinge of remorse.


    He looked down at Meesha''s bleeding wrist, his mind reeling with confusion. Why did he feel guilty now? He had never felt this way before.


    Meesha cried profusely, her tears streaming down her face. "Xanqer, there''s so much blood. I''m scared."


    Xanqer''s expression changed slightly, and he said, "Wait, I''ll go get the first aid kit." He swiftly departed and returned with a compact first aid box.


    He gently cleaned the blood off Meesha''s wrist with a sterile gauze pad, his touch surprisingly tender. As he examined the wound, he breathed a silent sigh of relief, noticing that he hadn''t sliced deep enough to cut her vein.


    He felt a pang of confusion. What was wrong with him? Why was he helping her? Wasn''t he supposed to kill her? But even still, he couldn''t stop; he continued to tend to her wound.


    Meesha winced as he applied antiseptic to her wound, the stinging sensation making her flinch. "Stay still," Xanqer instructed.


    After treating her wound, he wrapped a crisp white bandage around her wrist. Meesha''s tears had subsided, and she looked more stable. She gazed at her bandaged arm, a pout on her face.


    "So it''s true," she said, her voice filled with conviction.


    "That what?" Xanqer asked, his eyebrow raised.


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    "That the murderer and victim game is haunted!" She exclaimed. "Someone once told me that if you play the game, the pretend knife switches to a real one. It''s done by a ghost who died during the game."


    Xanqer was stunned, but for only a moment. He asked, "And you believe that?"


    Meesha nodded, her eyes wide with sincerity. "Yes. There''s no other explanation anyway."


    Xanqer''s gaze lingered on her, his eyes filled with wonder. He knew the truth, of course ¨C he had switched the knife himself, intending to kill her. But Meesha''s trust in him was almost... palpable.


    As Xanqer stood up to leave, Meesha called out. "Goodnight."


    He walked away without responding, leaving Meesha to gaze down at her bandaged wrist. A soft smile spread across her face as she thought about how Xanqer had tended for her wound. She felt a strange sense of gratitude toward the ghost she believed had intervened, wishing that she could get hurt every time so that Xanqer would tend to her over and over again.


    [THE NEXT MORNING]


    Xanqer stood in the living room, his hands tucked into his pockets, glancing at his watch. He was waiting for Meesha to arrive before leaving for the office.


    Meesha descended the stairs, her eyes shining with happiness. "I thought you had left for the office," she said, smiling at him.


    Xanqer walked forward, his expression unreadable. He grasped Meesha''s wrist, examining it with a critical eye. "Does it still hurt?" he asked.


    Meesha''s smile never wavered. "Yes."


    Xanqer''s instructions were crisp. "Apply more antiseptic and change the bandage later."


    Meesha nodded, still smiling. "Okay."


    Xanqer turned to leave, but Meesha followed him out the door. He noticed her trailing behind him and turned back, raising an eyebrow.


    Meesha''s eyes sparkled hopefully. "Can you give me a ride?"


    Xanqer''s expression remained indifferent. "No."


    Meesha added, her voice persuasive, "My industry is on the way to your office. Please."


    "No."


    She batted her eyelashes cutely, putting on a charming puppy face. "Please, Xanqer."


    Xanqer''s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze lingering on her face.


    ********


    Meesha settled into the backseat of Xanqer''s car, gazing out the window with a smile. She glanced at Xanqer, who sat stoically, his eyes fixed on his phone.


    Xanqer caught her gaze in the rearview mirror and looked away the next second. Davis, the driver, watched the exchange through the mirror, still looking perplexed.


    As they approached Meesha''s industry, she exclaimed, "Stop here!"


    Davis halted the car, and Meesha opened the door, looking at Xanqer, who remained impassive.


    "Thanks for the ride," she said, smiling, before exiting the car. Before she could wave goodbye, the car sped off, leaving Meesha coughing in the dust.


    In the car¡­


    Xanqer sat in the car, his expression a mask of indifference. Davis, however, was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. He couldn''t believe that Xanqer, known for his ruthlessness, had actually given Meesha a ride.


    Davis cleared his throat, attempting to compose himself. "Sir, Miss Dasilva is still alive," he stated, his tone laced with a hint of incredulity.


    Xanqer''s gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, his voice devoid of emotion. "So?"


    Davis was taken aback by Xanqer''s nonchalant response. "But, Sir, you said you would kill her yesterday. Why is she still alive?"


    Xanqer''s expression hardened. "I couldn''t do it yesterday, but I''ll surely kill her tonight," he declared, his voice cold and deadly.


    The air in the car seemed to grow thick with tension as Davis glanced at Xanqer, his eyes widening in alarm. He knew better than to question Xanqer''s motives, but he couldn''t shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

 Chapter 27: Dont Carry A Knife Around

    [LATER THAT EVENING]


    Meesha stepped into her home, kicking off her sneakers by the door. The empty hallway greeted her, and she assumed Xanqer hadn''t returned yet. As she turned the corner, a hand clamped around her neck, pushing her against the wall. Her eyes widened in fear, but as she looked up, she saw Xanqer''s face inches from hers. Relief washed over her, thinking it was just him, not a thief.


    However, she failed to notice the deadly glint in Xanqer''s eyes.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she gazed at his face inches from hers, her pulse racing with excitement.


    Xanqer slowly pulled out a knife from his pocket, raising it to strike. But as he looked at Meesha, he saw that her eyes were closed, her lips pouting. He froze, taken aback.


    Meesha leaned in closer, her face tilting upwards, expecting a kiss. Xanqer''s eyes widened in surprise, and he recoiled, stunned. "What are you doing?" he asked sternly.


    Meesha''s eyes snapped open, and her face flushed with embarrassment. She scratched the back of her head nervously. "I thought you were going to..." Her voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.


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    Xanqer raised an eyebrow, his expression puzzled. "To what?"


    Meesha stammered, feeling a mix of disappointment and nervousness. "I-I thought we were going to..." She couldn''t bring herself to say the words, glancing up at Xanqer before quickly fleeing the scene.


    Xanqer watched her disappear around the corner, his eyebrow still raised in confusion. What had she thought he was going to do? Didn''t she see the knife in his hand, the intent to kill in his eyes?


    Xanqer''s eyes locked onto the knife in his hand, his grip tightening. He wouldn''t wait another day; he had to kill her tonight.


    Meesha, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby, ran into her room, slamming the door shut. She banged her head against the door, embarrassment washing over her. How could she have been so stupid to think Xanqer wanted to kiss her?


    That night, Meesha skipped dinner, feeling too humiliated to face Xanqer. She sat on her couch, lost in thought, until exhaustion took over, and she drifted off to sleep.


    Hours later, Xanqer silently opened Meesha''s door, slipping inside with ease. He approached her sleeping form, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow on her peaceful face. Xanqer''s hand tightened around the knife hilt as he gazed at Meesha.


    Just as he was about to strike, Meesha''s eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking onto Xanqer''s. She looked at him with half-closed eyes, her voice groggy. "What''s going on?"


    Xanqer''s menacing tone sent shivers down his own spine. "Can''t you see that I want to kill you?"


    Meesha''s response was unexpected ¨C she laughed, a soft, sleepy sound. "Xanqer, stop making jokes. It''s the middle of the night. I want to sleep." She added, her voice still laced with drowsiness, "And don''t carry a knife around, you could hurt yourself."


    With that, Meesha''s eyes drifted shut, and she fell back asleep, leaving Xanqer stunned. He wondered how she could sleep so peacefully, unaware of the danger that stood mere inches from her.


    Xanqer''s gaze lingered on Meesha''s serene face, and for the second time, he found himself unable to kill her. Maybe another day, he thought, his grip on the knife relaxing. But for now, he would spare her life, and let the mystery of her trusting nature continue to intrigue him.

 Chapter 28: Take Me With you

    Xanqer sat in his dimly lit room, the soft glow of the computer screen illuminating his chiseled features. His eyes were fixed intently on the lines of code streaming down the monitor as his fingers flew across the keyboard. The silence was suddenly broken by the faint sound of footsteps behind him.


    Xanqer''s eyes narrowed, his senses heightened as he listened carefully. The footsteps drew closer, the soft creaking of the floorboards beneath echoing through the room. As soon as the footsteps moved behind him, without looking back, Xanqer stretched out his hand, his fingers closing around something soft and squishy. His eyes narrowing, as he registered the unexpected texture.


    His head whipped around, expecting to see some strange creature, but instead, he found himself staring into Meesha''s wide, startled eyes. Her mouth was open in a small O-shape, and her cheeks were flushed with surprise.


    Xanqer''s gaze dropped to his hand, still grasping Meesha''s breast, and he swiftly let go, as if burned. Meesha''s eyes followed his, and she looked away, her face burning with embarrassment.


    "What do you want?" Xanqer asked, his voice low and even.


    Meesha''s voice trembled as she spoke. "Uhm... never mind..." She turned to make a hasty retreat, but not before Xanqer caught a glimpse of her mortified expression.


    As the door closed behind Meesha, Xanqer raised an eyebrow, his eyes drifting back to his hand.


    *******


    Meesha slipped back into her room, the soft click of the door closing behind her a welcome respite from the awkwardness she''d just endured. Her face still burned with embarrassment, the flush spreading down her neck like a slow-moving flame. She''d intended to sneak up on Xanqer, to catch his attention and maybe even elicit a smile. But instead, she''d ended up in a compromising position. She couldn''t believe Xanqer had accidentally touch her there.


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    She slumped onto her bed, her arms splayed out to either side like a ragdoll. Her gaze drifted downward, her eyes fixing on the offending breast. "Traitor," she whispered, her voice trembling with mortification. A fresh wave of heat washed over her, and she felt her face grow even hotter. But as she lay there, something unexpected happened. Despite the mortification, she felt a flutter in her chest.


    A gentle smile spread across her face, her lips curving upward in a quiet, secretive smile. She couldn''t believe she was actually admitting it to herself, but she couldn''t deny the unexpected connection she''d felt with Xanqer. It had been a fleeting moment, but it had left a lasting impression. Meesha''s eyes drifted closed, and she let out a soft sigh, the sensation still lingering in her mind like a whispered promise.


    ********


    [THE NEXT MORNING]


    Meesha trailed behind Xanqer as he walked out of the house, her eyes fixed on his broad back. She quickened her pace, her feet padding softly on the driveway as she caught up to him beside his sleek, black car. Davis stood waiting, his expression neutral.


    As Xanqer reached for the car door handle, Meesha darted forward, her hand shooting out to grasp his arm. "Xanqer, can I follow you to your office? Pleaseee?" she asked, her voice laced with a playful, wheedling tone.


    Xanqer''s response was curt. "No."


    Meesha''s face scrunched up in a pleading expression. "Pretty pleaseeee," she begged, her voice rising.


    Xanqer''s expression remained unyielding. "No," he repeated, his tone firmer.


    "Pretty please with a cherry on top," she cooed, her lips curling up in a persuasive smile.


    Xanqer ignored her, opening the car door with a swift motion. Meesha darted forward, planting herself in the middle of the driveway, her arms spread wide. "You''re not going anywhere unless you take me with you," she declared stubbornly.


    Xanqer''s lips curled into a sneer, but before he could respond, his gaze flicked to something behind Meesha. His eyes narrowed, and his entire demeanor shifted, his body tensing.


    With a swift, economical motion, Xanqer reached out and grasped Meesha''s waist, pulling her toward him. Meesha''s eyes widened as she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, her skin tingling where Xanqer''s hand touched hers.


    As he pulled her closer, Meesha turned her head to look back, but Xanqer''s hand clamped down on her head, holding it against his chest. He wrapped his coat around her, shielding her face from the impending explosion.


    The sound was deafening, a loud, earsplitting crash that made Meesha''s heart skip a beat.


    As suddenly as it had begun, the chaos subsided. Xanqer released Meesha, his eyes scanning the surrounding area with a mixture of alertness and calculation.


    Meesha looked up at him, her eyes questioning, before turning to gaze behind her. Her eyes widened, and she gasped, her face pale with shock.

 Chapter 29: Would You?

    Meesha was met with a scene of utter chaos and destruction. The driveway, once a tranquil and serene space, was now like a war zone.


    A massive explosion had ripped through the air, sending debris flying in all directions. Meesha''s eyes widened as she took in the extent of the damage. The sound of shattering glass and crunching metal still echoed through the air.


    A car, parked just a few feet away, was now a smoldering wreck, its windows blown out, and its metal body twisted and torn. The blast had also shattered the windows of the nearby house, sending shards of glass raining down onto the driveway.


    Meesha''s gaze drifted to the spot where she had been standing just moments before. If Xanqer hadn''t pulled her to safety, she would have been caught directly in the blast. A shiver ran down her spine as she realized just how close she had come to disaster.


    Her eyes locked onto Xanqer''s, and she saw a flicker of concern etched on his face.


    Xanqer''s eyes locked onto Meesha''s, his expression stern. "Go inside, now," he ordered, his voice firm but controlled.


    Meesha nodded, still looking shaken. She turned and hurried back towards the house, her eyes darting nervously over her shoulder.


    Davis stepped forward, his eyes wide with shock as he took in the scene. "What...what happened?" he stuttered, his voice trembling.


    Xanqer''s gaze never left the car, his eyes fixed intently on the smoldering wreckage. "A bomb was planted in that car. It was meant for Meesha."


    Davis''s eyes narrowed, his face pale. "He must have done it himself," he muttered, his voice barely audible.


    Xanqer''s eyes flicked to Davis, and Davis elaborated, "You failed to kill her up to now. That''s why he wants to do it himself this time."


    Xanqer''s expression remained impassive, but his eyes seemed to bore into Davis''s soul. He didn''t say a word, but his silence spoke volumes, conveying a depth of emotion and intensity that made Davis''s blood run cold.


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    *******


    Meesha sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on the floor as fear and anxiety wrapped around her like a suffocating shroud. Her mind raced with questions, each one more terrifying than the last. Who could want her dead? What had she done to deserve such hatred? The unknown answers sent her heart racing, and her breath came in short, panicked gasps.


    As she sat there, frozen in fear, the door creaked open, and Xanqer walked in. His eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Meesha for a moment before he headed upstairs. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the silence, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside Meesha.


    Xanqer returned downstairs, his movements swift and purposeful. As he reached for the door handle, he felt two small hands grasping his, holding him back. He turned, his eyes narrowing as he took in Meesha''s terrified expression.


    "Xanqer, I''m scared," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Don''t leave me alone." Her eyes pleaded with him, brimming with unshed tears.


    Xanqer''s gaze faltered, his mask of indifference slipping for a moment. He was taken aback by Meesha''s words, her fear and vulnerability striking a chord within him. It was a feeling he couldn''t quite explain, especially considering his own role in the conspiracy against her.


    As he looked at Meesha, he felt a pang of uncertainty. Why had he saved her from the explosion? Shouldn''t he have just let her die, eliminating the problem altogether? The questions swirled in his mind, leaving him feeling conflicted and unsure.


    Meesha''s voice cut through his thoughts, her words laced with desperation. "Someone''s trying to kill me. Don''t leave me here, please." Her eyes locked onto his, shining with tears as she begged for his protection.


    Xanqer pried her hands off his. "Meesha, you should be running from me, not asking me to protect you," Xanqer said, his deep voice laced with a hint of warning.


    He turned to leave, but Meesha''s slender fingers wrapped around his arm, holding him back. Her touch sent a jolt through him, and he felt a pang of guilt for the danger that lurked within him.


    Xanqer looked back at Meesha, and his gaze met hers. Her eyes were still welled up with tears, and her face was etched with fear. Yet, despite the terror that gripped her, she held onto him, her fingers digging deep into his sleeve.


    "Why should I be running from you?" Meesha asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her expression was puzzled, but the fear still lingered in her eyes.


    Xanqer''s eyebrow rose, and he felt a flicker of confusion. He had told her before that he wanted to kill her, but she had just laughed it off, her eyes sparkling with amusement. He found it hard to understand why she didn''t believe that he could actually kill her.


    Xanqer''s gaze locked onto hers. "Because I''m a monster, remember?" he replied, his voice low and loathing.


    Meesha''s eyes searched his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, she remembered that he was a scary Lycan, a creature of the night with claws and teeth. But as she looked into his eyes, she found that knowledge unimportant.


    Meesha''s gaze faltered, and she looked down, her mind racing with thoughts. After a few moments of silence, she raised her teary eyes to meet Xanqer''s, her voice barely audible. "But you''re not a monster to me," she said, her words laced with a mix of conviction and vulnerability. "And you wouldn''t hurt me, would you?"


    Her eyes widened with anticipation and hope as she searched Xanqer''s face for reassurance. But instead of comfort, his expression hardened, his jaw clenching in a mixture of frustration and warning.


    "I''m capable of things you can''t even imagine, Meesha," he said, his voice low and rough, like the rustling of dry leaves. "Things that would haunt your dreams and shatter your soul. You just don''t realize it yet."

 Chapter 30: Cute

    Xanqer''s eyes gleamed with a malevolent intensity, expecting Meesha to cower in fear or flee in terror. But instead, she stood tall, her voice steady and unwavering as she said, "I''m not afraid of you."


    The words hung in the air like a challenge, catching Xanqer off guard. For a moment, his mask of confidence slipped, and he was taken aback by her bravery. His eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he struggled to comprehend her audacity.


    How could she be so oblivious to the terror he inspired? He was a murderer, a ruthless killer who had claimed thousands of souls. His very presence made the bravest warriors tremble with fear. The wind itself seemed to whisper warnings of his approach, and the earth shook beneath his feet.


    And yet, Meesha stood before him, her eyes flashing with defiance, her voice dripping with conviction. It was almost...amusing.


    Xanqer''s smile grew, his lips curling upward in a cold, mirthless grin. "Since you''re so brave, let me show you what I''m capable of."


    Xanqer''s hand hovered in the air, his fingers poised to snap with a deadly precision. With a snap of his fingers, Meesha would crumble to the floor and die.


    Meesha''s gaze remained fixed on Xanqer''s hand, her eyes widening in anticipation.


    With a swift, economical motion, Xanqer attempted to snap his fingers. But they refused to budge. His fingers trembled with the effort, his hand shaking as if palsied. A furrow creased his brow, his eyes narrowing in confusion.


    Meesha''s gaze remained fixed on Xanqer''s hand, her eyes filled with curiosity. She seemed entranced by the spectacle, her body leaning forward slightly.


    Xanqer''s face twisted in a snarl, his lips curling back in frustration. He struggled to snap his fingers, his hand jerking spasmodically. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t bring himself to do it.


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    It wasn''t that he was physically unable; it was as if some unseen force was holding him back. Xanqer''s confusion deepened, his mind racing with questions. Why couldn''t he snap his fingers? What was stopping him?


    The silence between them grew thicker, heavier, until it seemed to take on a life of its own. Xanqer''s hand remained suspended, his fingers trembling with the effort, as the tension between them reached a breaking point.


    Meesha''s gaze met Xanqer''s, her eyes sparkling with a childlike innocence. "What are you trying to do?" she asked, her voice tinged with genuine confusion, her brow furrowed in a delicate crescent.


    Xanqer''s expression faltered, his eyes narrowing in surprise, as if he''d been expecting fear, or terror, or at the very least, a hint of submission. But Meesha''s naivety caught him off guard, and for a moment, he was at a loss.


    Then, like a mask slipping back into place, his expression returned, his eyes narrowing, his jaw clenched. "I''m trying to kill you," he growled, his voice low and menacing, the words dripping with malice.


    But instead of the expected fear, Meesha''s face lit up with amusement. She laughed, a melodious sound that was both infectious and jarring, given the circumstances. Her giggles were like a sprinkle of sunshine on a dark day, and Xanqer''s frown deepened, his eyes flashing with irritation.


    Was she testing his patience? Was she really challenging him? Xanqer''s mind whirled with questions, his anger simmering just below the surface. He took a step closer to Meesha, his movements fluid, almost predatory. "You think it''s funny?" he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "You think death is amusing?"


    Meesha''s laughter slowly subsided, and she looked up at Xanqer, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Oh, no," she said, her voice still tinged with amusement. "I just thought it was... cute... how you''re trying to kill me."


    The word hung in the air, a palpable thing, and Xanqer''s eyes widened in shock. Cute? Was she insane? He felt a spark of anger ignite within him, but Meesha''s expression remained serene, almost playful.


    Xanqer''s anger boiled over, and he slammed Meesha against the wall with a loud thud. The sound echoed through the air, but Meesha''s gaze remained steady, her expression still radiating a childlike innocence. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, rather than fear, as she looked up at Xanqer.


    Xanqer''s face twisted in a snarl, and he raised his hands, revealing sharp, long claws that gleamed in the dim light. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as he growled, "Do you think this is cute?"


    Meesha''s eyes widened as she stared at the claws, her brow furrowed in wonder. She wasn''t scared; she was bewildered, fascinated by the way Xanqer''s body seemed to transform before her eyes. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she reached out a hand, hesitantly touching the tip of the claw with her fingers.


    Xanqer was stunned, his eyes locking onto Meesha''s hand as if mesmerized. He frowned, the muscles in his face tensing. He retreated his claws back in, but not quickly enough. The sharp edge sliced through Meesha''s thumb and second finger, leaving a trail of blood in its wake.


    Meesha''s eyes dropped to her injured hand, and her gaze lingered on the crimson stains. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she looked up at Xanqer, her expression wronged and vulnerable.


    Xanqer raised an eyebrow, his face a mask of incredulity. How dare she look at him like that? What right did she have to feel wronged?

 Chapter 31: A Scratch

    Meesha''s tears trembled on the brink of falling.


    Xanqer''s gaze lingered on Meesha''s injured hand, his expression unreadable.


    Meesha''s tears spilled over, trickling down her cheeks like tiny rivers. Her body shuddered with silent sobs, her slender shoulders trembling beneath her worn tunic. She didn''t sob or wail; she simply cried silently, her eyes fixed on Xanqer with a mixture of hurt and confusion.


    Xanqer''s face twisted, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and frustration. He held her chin, raising her face to his. "Don''t," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "Don''t cry."


    Meesha''s gaze met Xanqer''s, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy. She didn''t speak; she simply looked at him. The air between them seemed to vibrate with tension, a living, breathing thing that pulsed with energy.


    Xanqer''s jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together. He felt a pang of... something, a feeling he couldn''t quite identify. It wasn''t guilt, exactly; it was more like a twinge of discomfort. Without thinking, Xanqer reached out and grasped Meesha''s injured hand.


    Meesha flinched, but she didn''t pull away. Xanqer''s touch was gentle, almost tentative, as he examined the cuts on her fingers. His fingers wrapped around hers, warm and strong, sending a shiver down her spine. For a moment, they simply stood there, Xanqer''s hand wrapped around Meesha''s.


    Then, without warning, Xanqer released Meesha''s hand and stepped back. His expression was once again masked, his eyes cold and hard. Xanqer''s gaze lingered on Meesha''s face, his gaze narrowing. "You''re not like anyone I''ve met before," he said, his voice low and measured.


    Meesha felt uncertain of what to say, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She asked naively, "Is that a good thing?"


    Her voice was barely above a whisper, and her words hung in the air like a delicate, trembling leaf.


    Xanqer''s gaze narrowed even more as he looked at her, his eyes slicing through her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. His frustration was palpable, a living, breathing thing that pulsed with energy.


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    He felt a storm wash over him, a turbulent sea of emotions that threatened to engulf him. And he felt a flicker of doubt, a spark of uncertainty that he couldn''t ignore. He didn''t know what to make of Meesha, this fragile, enigmatic creature who seemed to defy all logic. He felt uncertain, his usual confidence wavering in the face of her innocence.


    Meanwhile, Meesha just stared at him innocently, her eyes wide and unblinking. She had stopped crying, but there were still tears on her face, glistening like tiny diamonds in the light.


    Meesha''s face scrunched in pain as she gazed at her injured fingers. A faint whimper escaped her lips, and her body swayed slightly. "Xanqer, my fingers still hurts."


    Xanqer''s gaze dropped to her fingers before flicking back to her, his expression unreadable. "It''s just a scratch. Deal with it," he said finally, his voice rough and dismissive.


    Then in a swift motion, he turned back and walked out of the door.


    As the door slammed shut behind Xanqer, Meesha stood frozen, her eyes fixed on the empty space where he had once been. The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with the weight of unspoken words. She slowly turned her attention to her throbbing fingers, the crimson liquid oozing from the cuts like a stark reminder of Xanqer''s brutal dismissal.


    With a resigned sigh, Meesha made her way to the bathroom, her bare feet making soft slapping sounds against the cold tile floor. She retrieved the first aid kit from the cabinet, the antiseptic smell wafting out as she opened it. Wincing, she began to clean and dress her wounds, the sting of the antiseptic mirroring the ache in her heart.


    As she finished, Meesha let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of her emotions bearing down on her. She slumped onto the couch, the soft cushions enveloping her like a warm hug. Her gaze wandered to the door, her mind replaying the events that had transpired. Xanqer''s words echoed in her mind, his dark tone and ominous warnings sending a shiver down her spine.


    Why was he acting so strangely? Meesha wondered, her brow furrowed in concern. What had triggered this sudden change in him? And what was behind those cryptic warnings? She rolled her eyes, a wry smile twisting her lips. Xanqer would never hurt her, she was certain of it. But the question remained: how could she breach the walls he had erected around himself? She would uncover the secrets behind Xanqer''s enigmatic facade, no matter how difficult the journey might be.


    [THAT EVENING]


    As Xanqer stepped into the house, the warm glow of the evening lights enveloped him, casting a golden ambiance over the room. His gaze instinctively drifted to the couch, where Meesha sat with her legs folded beneath her, her slender fingers intertwined as she stared blankly at the wall. For a fleeting moment, her face lit up as their eyes met, but she swiftly veiled her emotions, adopting a neutral expression.


    Xanqer''s eyes lingered on her for a brief instant before he headed upstairs, his footsteps echoing through the silence.


    During dinner, Meesha''s unusual silence piqued Xanqer''s interest. Her eyes remained cast downward, her focus fixed on the food as she mechanically chewed and swallowed. The vibrant, talkative person he knew was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a subdued, introverted version.


    Xanqer''s curiosity got the better of him. "What''s wrong with you?" he asked, his deep voice cutting through the silence.


    Meesha''s gaze slowly rose, her eyes locking onto his as she extended her hand, revealing the faint cuts on her delicate fingers. Her lips pouted, and her voice took on a hint of petulance. "Does this look like just a scratch to you?"


    Xanqer''s eyebrow arched as he examined the injuries.


    "It''s stings when I do the dishes and when I hold a spoon," Meesha added, her voice tinged with a hint of complaint.


    Xanqer''s skeptical gaze met hers. "Don''t you eat with your left hand?"


    Meesha''s cheeks flushed, and she waved her hand dismissively. "Even still," she muttered.


    Xanqer looked at her and a hint of amusement flickered across his face. He couldn''t quite explain why, but Meesha''s petulant expression and the faint cuts on her fingers stirred something within him.

 Chapter 32: Fine Dining

    Meesha and Xanqer sat at the dinner table, the soft clinking of utensils on plates filling the air. Meesha couldn''t help but steal glances at Xanqer as he ate. His movements were precise, calculated, and elegant. He ate as if he were a king, savoring each bite with a sense of refinement and sophistication. Meesha, on the other hand, felt like a clumsy amateur, her movements haphazard and uncoordinated.


    She had always wondered how Xanqer could eat with such precision and elegance. It was as if he had been trained in the art of fine dining from a young age. Meesha, on the other hand, had never been taught how to eat properly. She had always just eaten without thinking, without considering anything.


    As she watched Xanqer, Meesha felt a surge of curiosity. She wanted to learn how to eat like him, so she asked, her eyes sparkling, "Xanqer, can you teach me how to eat properly? I want to learn how to eat like you."


    Xanqer looked up, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, Meesha thought he would ignore her. But instead, he nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.


    "Very well." he said, his voice low and smooth. "Let''s start with the basics. Hold your fork like this." He reached out and took her hand, positioning the fork in her fingers.


    Meesha felt a spark of electricity as his hand touched hers. She looked at his face and felt a surge of excitement, but suppressed it in.


    "This is the right way to hold a fork," Xanqer explained, his voice firm and instructive. "Your thumb should be at the rim of the fork, and your index finger should be on the edge. This will give you control and balance."


    Meesha nodded, feeling a flutter in her chest.


    "Now, let''s move on to cutting," Xanqer said, his voice still firm. "Don''t hold the knife like this," he said, taking her hand and positioning the knife in her fingers. "Your elbow should be elevated 60 degrees from the plate as you cut."


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    Meesha was dumbfounded. She never knew she needed maths to eat!


    She hated maths!


    But she was enjoying her sensation of being with Xanqer so she just smiled and nodded.


    She watched as Xanqer demonstrated the correct way to cut, his movements precise and calculated. Her eyes often darted and lingered on his face as he spoke.


    "You should always cut with the tip of the knife, not the side," he explained, his eyes locked onto hers. "And as you cut the steak, the fork should be inserted in the centermost edge of the area you''re cutting."


    "Oh, okay," she replied. Meesha felt a sense of wonder. She had never realized that there were so many nuances to eating.


    "Now, let''s try it," Xanqer said. "Cut the steak, and then eat it."


    "Okay," Meesha replied feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of trying something new. She carefully positioned the knife and began to cut the steak, Xanqer guiding her hand as she did so.


    As she cut, Xanqer explained the importance of using the tip of the knife, rather than the side. "This will give you more control and precision," he said, his eyes locked onto hers.


    Once Meesha had finished cutting the steak, Xanqer showed her how to insert the fork into the centermost edge of the meat. "Your wrist should be bent, and your elbow should not touch the table," he explained.


    Meesha felt stunned.


    Regardless, she nodded, her smile still plastered on her face.


    "Now, eat it," Xanqer instructed.


    "Finally!" Meesha exclaimed in her thoughts.


    She raised the fork to her mouth, but Xanqer stopped her. "No, put it back down," he said, his voice instructive.


    "What did i do wrong?" Meesha was taken aback, but she still did as he said. She placed the steak back down on the plate, holding the fork in her hand.


    "You don''t just lift the fork like that," Xanqer pointed out. "It should be done like this." He took her hand and positioned it correctly, his touch sending a spark of electricity through her body.


    Meesha heart race quickened and her breath caught in her throat.


    She watched as Xanqer demonstrated the correct way to lift the fork, his movements precise and calculated.


    "As you raise the fork like this, your other hand with the knife should be positioned like this," he explained. "Your elbow should rest on the side of the table, and your wrist should be bent forward, and you should hold the knife with your fingers, not your hand."


    Meesha nodded. "Okay."


    "Now try it again," Xanqer said.


    Meesha carefully lifted the fork, following Xanqer''s teachings. She ate the steak, Xanqer watching her with a critical eye.


    "How was it? Did i do it right?" Meesha asked, her eyes gleaming in anticipation.


    Xanqer''s expression remained serious but Meesha thought she saw a hint of approval in his eyes. "It was okay."


    Meesha smiled brightly at him. "Yes, I''m a really good learner."


    As the days passed, Meesha finally mastered the art of fine dining and soon, she ate as perfectly as Xanqer.

 Chapter 33: Baking

    Meesha was sitting in the living room, her phone in hand, waiting for Xanqer to arrive. She had spent the entire day baking, and she couldn''t wait to see the look on Xanqer''s face when he tasted her creations.


    As she scrolled through her phone, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. She quickly jumped off the couch and ran to the door, flinging it open to reveal Xanqer standing next to his car, talking to Davis.


    Meesha''s face lit up, and she shouted Xanqer''s name, waving enthusiastically. "Xanqer!"


    Xanqer heard her voice and looked in her direction. A hint of a smile appeared on his face, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. He turned back to Davis and said something briefly, before Davis handed him his briefcase with a slight bow.


    Xanqer took the briefcase and walked towards Meesha, who ran to him, still smiling brightly. "I''ll help you carry your briefcase," she said, taking the briefcase from him.


    Xanqer raised an eyebrow, but said nothing as Meesha ran inside the house. He followed her, loosening his tie as he walked.


    Meesha ran upstairs to Xanqer''s room and dropped the briefcase inside before running back downstairs. She saw Xanqer heading towards the stairs, and called out to him. "Come down for dinner soon!"


    Xanqer raised his hand, signaling that he had heard. Meesha went into the kitchen to check on the lasagna she had baked for dinner. She opened the oven door and peeked inside, seeing that it still had 10 minutes left to bake.


    She sat down at the dining table, anticipation building up inside her. After a few minutes, Xanqer came into the living room, having changed into comfortable house clothes.


    As soon as he sat down at the dining table, Meesha told him excitedly. "Xanqer, guess what we''re having for dinner?"


    Xanqer replied, his voice detached. "I don''t know."


    Meesha replied, "I''m baking lasagna!"


    Xanqer raised an eyebrow.


    "Hey, I might not be good at cooking, but I''m very good at baking, trust me," Meesha assured him.


    Just then, the oven timer went off, signaling that the lasagna was done. Meesha got up from her chair and walked to the oven, excitedly. She opened the oven door and reached in to grab the baking tray, but in her haste, she forgot to use oven mitts.


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    As soon as her hands touched the hot tray, she felt a searing pain. Her fingers and palms burned, and she dropped the tray, lasagna scattering all over the floor.


    Meesha''s eyes watered from the pain, and she looked down at the mess on the floor, disappointment written all over her face.


    Immediately, Xanqer ran to her side, a bit of concern on his face. "Meesha, what were you thinking?" he scolded, holding her hands and examining the burns. "Why did you try to carry the tray with your bare hands?"


    Meesha pouted, her eyes welling up. "Stop yelling at me, my hands are stinging."


    Xanqer raised his brow skeptically before going to get the balm to treat Meesha''s burns. As Xanqer gently applied the balm to Meesha''s palms, she looked up at him. She felt a surge of love and affection for him, but she didn''t know how to express it. Seeing the care and concern in his eyes brought a warmth to her heart, and for a moment, she felt like she was melting into a whole new world.


    But she quickly pushed the feeling aside, not wanting to misinterpret his kindness for something more. She didn''t want to get her hopes up, only to be disappointed.


    As Xanqer finished applying the balm, he closed the container and looked down, his eyes landing on the lasagna scattered all over the floor. "I''m not hungry," he said, his voice firm. "You can order takeouts."


    With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Meesha feeling deflated and disappointed. She watched him go, a pout appearing on her face. She looked down at the lasagna on the floor, feeling a pang of sadness. She had made it specially for Xanqer, hoping to impress him with her baking skills. But now, all her efforts were ruined.


    Meesha kicked the tray away in annoyance, feeling a surge of frustration. Why did things always have to go wrong for her? She sighed and rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. Maybe she would just order takeouts, like Xanqer had suggested. But for now, she just stood there, feeling sorry for herself and wondering why she even bothered trying.


    *********


    [LATER THAT NIGHT]


    Meesha''s phone buzzed with an incoming text message from the director. She read the message, her eyes widening slightly as she realized she had to go to the industry immediately. The designer wanted to make last-minute changes to the dress.


    Meesha quickly got dressed and headed downstairs. Xanqer was in the living room, looking up from his book as she walked by. "Where are you going?" he asked.


    Meesha replied, "I''m going to the industry. Something important came up."


    Xanqer raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "At this time?" he asked.


    Meesha felt a warmth in her chest at his concern. "Awwwn, Xanqer, that''s really touching. But don''t worry, I''ll be fine. Be back soon."


    Xanqer just looked at her and didn''t say anything else, his gaze returning to his book.


    Meesha smiled and said, "Goodbye," before heading out the door. She drove herself to the runway, her mind focused on the task at hand.


    When she arrived, she met with the designer, who apologized profusely for making her come out so late. Meesha reassured him that it was no problem and allowed him to retake her measurements.


    As she was leaving, a young man approached her. He looked like a college student, with a eager expression on his face. "Wow, you''re Meesha! I''m such a huge fan!" he exclaimed.


    Meesha smiled and thanked him, noticing his enthusiasm. "You must be a fan, right?" she asked, playing along.


    The young man nodded vigorously. "Yes, I''m a big fan. You''re really beautiful."


    "Thank you," Meesha smiled politely, feeling a sense of gratitude.


    The young man continued, "My kid sister watches your shows every time. She would be really excited to meet you in person."


    Meesha''s face lit up with a smile. "Oh, that''s so sweet! I''d love to meet her."


    The young man looked around, his eyes scanning the area. "She said she wanted to go get ice cream, but she''s not back yet." He faced Meesha again, his expression innocent. "She must be around that corner."


    Meesha nodded, smiling. "Let''s go meet her then!" She followed the young man around the corner, expecting to see a little girl waiting for her.


    But as she turned the corner, she was shocked to see a group of college boys standing there, all of them staring at her with leering expressions.


    Meesha''s eyes widened in shock, and she felt a surge of fear. She tried to step back, but the group of boys closed in around her, blocking her way.


    The young man who had brought her there smiled, his expression twisted and sinister. Meesha realized that she had been set up, and her heart racing with fear, she tried to think of a way to escape.

 Chapter 34: I Know

    The young man who had brought her there smiled, his eyes gleaming with a lustful light. "Meesha Dasilva," he said, his voice low and husky. "I''ve been watching you for the past few months, waiting for you to show up at night without your bodyguards. Today must be my lucky day."


    Meesha felt a chill run down her spine as he reached out and played with her hair. She tried to step back, but the group of boys closed in around her, trapping her.


    "You''re even more beautiful up close," the young man said, his eyes scanning her body lustfully. "I can see why you''re a celebrity. You''ve got the perfect body, the perfect face... everything."


    Meesha felt her heart racing with fear, and she was paralyzed with terror. She couldn''t move or speak.


    The young man turned to his friends, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Guys, won''t it be great to have fun with a celebrity? And even better, we''ll take a video of it."


    The other boys agreed, their voices filled with excitement. Meesha felt a wave of fear wash over her, her heart skipping a beat.


    The young man turned back to her, his eyes gleaming with lust. "You''re going to have so much fun with us," he said, his voice dripping with malice.


    Meesha felt a surge of adrenaline, but she was frozen in fear. The young man reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her towards him.


    "You''re going to be our little plaything tonight," he sneered, his eyes filled with cruelty. "And there''s nothing you can do to stop us."


    Just as he was about to push her to the ground, someone kicked him from the side. The young man flew through the air, hitting the building wall with a sickening thud. Meesha heard the sound of his bone breaking ¨C crunching and deadly.


    Meesha looked up to see who had saved her, and her eyes widened in shock as she saw Xanqer standing there.


    He was wearing a face cap and a black nose mask, which made him almost unrecognizable. Meesha felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw him.


    The other college boys got angry, their faces twisted with rage. They moved towards Xanqer, but he didn''t back down. Instead, he cracked his knuckles and prepared to fight.


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    Xanqer fought with a precision and skill that Meesha had never seen before. He took down the college boys one by one, his movements swift and deadly. Meesha watched in awe as he broke bones and sent the boys crashing to the ground.


    The leader of the group, the boy who had been harassing Meesha, tried to attack Xanqer from behind. But Xanqer was too quick, and he caught the boy''s arm and twisted it behind his back. The boy cried out in pain as Xanqer dragged him to Meesha and kicked him to his knees.


    "Apologize," Xanqer ordered, his voice cold and menacing.


    The boy looked up at Meesha with a mixture of fear and shame in his eyes. "I''m sorry. I''m so sorry. We''ll never cross your path again."


    Meesha was stunned. She had never seen Xanqer fight before, and she had no idea he was so skilled.


    The boy quickly scrambled to his feet and escaped, followed by the other college boys. Meesha watched them go, then turned to Xanqer. Her fear disappeared, a bright smile following.


    "Xanqer! You came to save me! Does that mean you have feelings for me?" she asked excitedly, wriggling his arm.


    Xanqer was caught off guard by her question, but only for a moment. He removed his arm from her grasp, his tone flat as he replied, "I just came to help."


    Meesha smiled, undeterred. "Thank you so much, Xanqer! You''re the best!"


    Xanqer scolded her. "You said you always go alone at night. Is this what you meant by you''ll be fine?"


    Meesha''s face lit up with a smile. "I didn''t know. I didn''t know they would suddenly come. It''s not my fault."


    Xanqer raised an eyebrow. "Then whose fault is it?"


    Meesha slowly raised her finger and pointed at Xanqer, a small smile on her face. "Yours."


    Xanqer was taken aback. Meesha nodded, "Yes, you should have stopped me when I said I was going out alone at night."


    Xanqer looked at her, surprised, then his expression changed back to his indifferent, cold one. He turned and walked away.


    Meesha quickly ran after him. "Hey, I was just joking. No need to take offense."


    Xanqer reached a car, and who Davis was sitting in the driver''s seat, nodded to Meesha as a polite greeting. Xanqer got into the backseat.


    Meesha asked eagerly, "Should I come in?"


    Xanqer looked at her and sneered. "Don''t you have your own car?"


    Meesha nodded, "I do, but¡ª"


    Xanqer said to Davis, "Drive."


    Before Meesha could say another word, Davis drove off, leaving her in the dust. Meesha coughed, then pouted. She went to her own car and drove.


    *****


    [IN XANQER''S CAR]


    As Davis drove, Xanqer''s phone buzzed with an incoming text message. He pulled it out and saw that it was from Meesha. A hint of smile appeared on his face as he read the message.


    "Xanqer! I''m trailing behind your car! As soon as you get off, the next thing you''ll see is my beautiful face (Heart emoji)"


    Xanqer''s eyes lingered on the message for a moment. He then looked up, his eyes locking on Meesha''s car through the rearview mirror. He watched her car as he sipped water from a plastic bottle. After a moment, he replied to the message. "Don''t text while driving."


    As soon as he sent the message, Meesha replied instantly, "Alright. See you at home then." Xanqer read the message, then put his phone down and continued looking at Meesha''s car.


    Davis glanced at him several times, his eyes filled with curiosity. He was unsure whether to speak or not. Finally, he spoke up, his voice cautious. "Mr. Qren, you''ve been monitoring Miss. Dasilva''s movements these past days. And you came here as soon as you heard she was in trouble."


    Davis paused, choosing his words carefully. "Are you developing feelings for her?"


    As soon as Davis spoke, Xanqer spat out the water he was drinking, his eyes widening in surprise. Davis glanced back at him, taken aback.


    Xanqer''s cold expression returned, and he replied, his voice firm. "Never."


    Davis nodded. "It''s good that way. If you develop feelings for her, things will surely go wrong."


    He added, his voice low and serious. "The full moon is in 17 days. Remember, you have to kill her before the night of the full moon."


    Xanqer leaned into the seat, threw his head back, and closed his eyes. "I know."


    Davis didn''t say anything and continued driving, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He glanced at Meesha''s car through the side mirror, his expression unreadable.

 Chapter 35: Bold Red X

    *********


    [THE NEXT MORNING]


    Meesha was lounged on the couch when the doorbell suddenly rang. She put a pause at her movie and rose from the couch to answer it. She opened the door to find Davis standing on the porch with a courteous smile. "Good morning, Miss Dasilva. Can i come in?"


    Meesha welcomed him in, and as they exchanged pleasantries, Xanqer descended the stairs, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. However, the elegant attire was juxtaposed with the two suitcases he grasped in one hand, their presence sparking Meesha''s curiosity.


    Xanqer''s gaze met Meesha''s puzzled expression, and his eyes flicked to Davis, instructing, "Put them in the car."


    Davis nodded and relieved Xanqer of the luggage, disappearing outside into the light.


    Meesha''s eyes followed Davis before snapping back to Xanqer, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Where are you going?"


    Xanqer''s response was matter-of-fact. "I''m going on a business trip for three weeks."


    Meesha''s jaw dropped, her eyes widening in dismay. "Three weeks?" Her face scrunched up, and her lips pouted in a sad, childish complaint. "Xanqer, why do you have to go on a business trip? Can''t you just stay here?"


    Xanqer''s expression remained impassive as he deployed an option. "I''ll stay if you give me a valid reason."


    Meesha''s mind raced, struggling to articulate a convincing argument. But the truth, though unspoken, was that she couldn''t bear the thought of being apart from him for so long. She loved him, despite his aloofness, and the prospect of his absence felt like an eternity.


    All she could manage was a feeble, "I''ll be lonely."


    Xanqer''s eyebrow arched, his tone tinged with amusement. "I''ll be back before you know it."


    Before Meesha could respond, Xanqer turned and disappeared out the door, leaving her feeling bereft and forlorn. The silence that followed was oppressive, and Meesha''s eyes prickled with unshed tears.


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    *******


    Meesha''s days blended together in an endless blur of loneliness. Without Xanqer, her life felt dull and pointless. She spent her hours sighing wistfully, her phone glued to her hand as she dialed Xanqer''s number every hour, craving the sound of his voice.


    At first, Xanqer obliged, answering her calls with patience and kindness. But as the days dragged on, Meesha''s incessant calling began to wear thin. Xanqer''s responses grew terse, and sometimes, he wouldn''t answer her calls at all. Meesha couldn''t blame him; she knew she was being clingy. But she couldn''t help herself ¨C the ache of his absence felt like a physical pain.


    To cope, Meesha fixated on the calendar, marking the 14th with a big red circle, the day of Xanqer''s promised return. Each morning, she''d wake up, take a deep breath, and mark the previous day with a bold red X. The countdown was agonizing, but it gave her a sense of purpose.


    As she lay on the couch, scrolling through her phone with a listless expression, Meesha felt like an eternity had passed since Xanqer''s departure. In reality, it had only been a week. She glanced at the clock, willing the hands to move faster. She had resolved to text Xanqer only twice a day, fearful of annoying him further.


    When she finally mustered the courage to call him earlier that day, Xanqer''s voice had sounded distant, but his words had sent a flutter through her chest. "I''m back in America," he''d said.


    Meesha''s face had lit up with excitement. "Can i come visit?" she''d asked, only to fall as she processed his words. "I''m on the opposite coast. Besides, I''m leaving for another trip tonight."


    She felt a pang of sadness and disappointment, remembering the conversation as she sighed and continued scrolling through her phone. Meesha''s thoughts drifted back to Xanqer, wondering what he was doing at that very moment, and when she''d see him again.


    Meesha lay on her couch, scrolling through her phone, when it suddenly rang. She picked it up, and her friend Dana''s voice came through the line.


    "Meesha! I''m in a bind, and I need your help," Dana said, sounding frazzled.


    Meesha sat up, intrigued. "What''s going on?"


    "I have a company event tonight, and I still haven''t found anyone to invite," Dana explained. "None of my friends have time, and I''m starting to get desperate. That''s why I was wondering if you could please, please come with me."


    Meesha felt hesitant. She wasn''t really in the mood for a stuffy corporate event. "I don''t know, Dana. I''m not really feeling up to it tonight."


    But Dana was persistent. "Please, Meesha, you''re the only notable friend I have. If I don''t have an invited guest, the rest of the people will think I''m a strict, heartless businesswoman like people say ¨C and that''s why I have no friends," Dana joked, but Meesha could hear the underlying seriousness in her tone.


    "Please, you have to come with me to the Millennium Co. gathering," Dana begged.


    Meesha blinked, her interest piqued. "Wait, did you just say the Millennium company?"


    "Yes," Dana replied, sounding confused. "Why?"


    Meesha''s face lit up with joy. That was Xanqer''s company. If she could go to the event, she might be able to see him again, or even better, impress him.


    Meesha''s voice was eager as she replied, "Yes, I''ll come. I''ll definitely come."


    Dana sounded happy but also confused. "Why did you change your mind so easily?"


    Meesha just laughed, trying to sound nonchalant. "Because you''re a lovely friend, that''s why. Goodbye."


    As soon as Meesha hung up the phone, she shrieked happily, bouncing up and down on the couch. She quickly grabbed her phone again and dialed her designer''s number.


    "Bring me the most beautiful dress you have," Meesha ordered, her voice excited. "I need to make a statement tonight."


    Her designer, Fran?ois, sounded intrigued. "What''s the occasion?"


    Meesha just laughed, feeling a sense of excitement and purpose that she hadn''t felt in days. "Just bring me the dress, Fran?ois. I''ll take care of the rest."


    As Meesha waited for Fran?ois to arrive with the dress, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation. She was going to see Xanqer again.

 Chapter 36: Something On Your Hair

    As soon as Meesha saw Xanqer, she quickly ran to his side, holding his arm and cowering in fear. He looked down at Meesha, his eyes scanning her face. "Are you okay?"


    Meesha nodded, still feeling shaken. "Y-yes," she stuttered.


    Xanqer''s gaze snapped to Ryder, his expression dark with rage.


    Ryder backed away, his eyes wide with fear. "I''m sorry, I was just¨C"


    "Lock him up," Xanqer ordered his men, his voice cold and detached. "I''ll take care of him later."


    The men dragged Ryder away, his cries of despair echoing through the hallway. Xanqer turned to Meesha, his eyes narrowing.


    "Why are you here?" he demanded, his voice scolding. "And why did you even follow him? Are you a fool?"


    Meesha pouted, feeling angry but also a little guilty. "You never listen to my side of the story," she said, her voice rising. "All you do is scold me."


    The men standing nearby, including Davis, were stunned that Meesha had raised her voice at Xanqer. They expected him to be angry, but instead, he spoke calmly.


    "Davis, tell the driver to send her back," Xanqer ordered.


    Meesha looked at him, her arms crossing over her chest. "Send me back?" she repeated, her voice defiant. "Why should I go back? I''m not going anywhere."


    The men were shocked once again that Meesha had refused Xanqer''s command. Xanqer''s eyes narrowed. "Do you want to cause more trouble for yourself?" he asked, his voice low and warning. "Don''t you know what could have happened if I didn''t come on time?"


    Meesha realized that Xanqer was right, but she still didn''t want to go. She had come to the event because of him, and she wasn''t ready to leave yet.


    "I didn''t want to come to this gathering," she said, her voice low and sheepish. "But when I heard your company was hosting it, I decided to come so I could see you."


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    Xanqer looked at her, his expression softening just a bit before it disappeared. He heaved a sigh, then spoke.


    "I''ll come back home tomorrow, okay?"


    The men were stunned that Xanqer had referred to Meesha''s place as "home". They exchanged surprised glances.


    Meesha''s face brightened up. "Really?" she asked, her voice full of hope.


    Xanqer nodded. "Yes. Now go with Davis. He''ll take you to the driver who will send you home."


    Meesha nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. She was happy that Xanqer was coming back tomorrow, but she was also a little annoyed that he was sending her away.


    Davis, still looking stunned, led Meesha out of the hallway and to the driver waiting outside. The driver drove her home, and as she went, she felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. Xanqer would be coming back tomorrow, and she couldn''t wait to see him again.


    *********


    [THE NEXT EVENING]


    After a long day of waiting, Meesha was thrilled to finally have Xanqer home. They sat down to dinner together, the sound of clinking of utensils on plates filling the air.


    As they ate, Meesha chatted excitedly about her day, but Xanqer''s responses were brief and distracted. Meesha didn''t mind, though - she was just happy to have him home.


    After dinner, Xanqer pulled out his laptop and began to work. Meesha watched him for a while, fascinated by the way his eyes scanned the screen and his fingers flew across the keyboard.


    As the evening wore on, Meesha''s eyelids began to droop. She folded her arms on the table and rested her head on them, watching Xanqer work through half-closed eyes.


    Xanqer looked up and caught her staring at him. For a moment, their eyes locked, and Meesha felt a flutter in her chest. But then Xanqer looked away, his expression unreadable.


    Meesha''s gaze drifted back to Xanqer''s face, taking in handsome face. She felt her eyelids growing heavier, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.


    Xanqer''s fingers flew across the keyboard as he typed away on his business proposal. But as he worked, his eyes kept drifting away from the screen, drawn to Meesha, who was sitting across the dining table, fast asleep.


    He raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sight of her peaceful face. Her long eyelashes cast a shadow on her cheeks, and her small pink lips were slightly parted. Her slender nose and delicate features made her look like a porcelain doll.


    As he tried to focus on his proposal, Xanqer found himself glancing at Meesha''s face again and again. He couldn''t concentrate on his work, and eventually, he gave up. He closed his laptop and leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Meesha''s sleeping face.


    As she slept, she shook slightly, and her hair fell, covering her face completely. Xanqer''s gaze lingered on her, and he found himself reaching out to stroke her hair behind her ear.


    As soon as his hand touched her hair, Meesha woke up, startled. She looked around, disoriented, and her eyes met Xanqer''s gaze. She looked at him again, her expression perplexed but with a hint of joy.


    "What were you doing?" she asked, her voice low and unsure, but with a hint of excitement.


    Xanqer cleared his throat, trying to sound nonchalant. "There was something on your hair."


    Meesha blinked, checking her front hair. "My hair?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.


    Xanqer shrugged. "It''s gone now."


    Meesha looked at him, her eyed searching for answers. But Xanqer''s expression was neutral, giving away nothing.


    She pouted, feeling a bit sad. Her eyes darted to Xanqer as he typed on his laptop. "Goodnight," Meesha said, walking away.


    Meesha walked into the bedroom, her mind replaying the embarrassing moment. Why did she even fall asleep at the dining table? She imagined herself sleeping, mouth agape, drool dripping down her chin. The thought made her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Xanqer must have felt awkward seeing her sleep.


    She covered her face with her palms, burying her face in them. "I''m not even cute," she whispered, her voice muffled.

 Chapter 38: Teach You Right From Wrong

    ********


    Meesha walked down the hallway, heading to her dressing room to grab her purse before leaving the industry.


    As she walked, two people suddenly approached her. The woman, who appeared to be in her fifties, had a scowl on her face, while the teenage girl beside her looked like she had just sucked on a lemon.


    The woman''s eyes narrowed as she glared at Meesha. "You, you''re a murderer!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the hallway. "You killed Sarah!"


    Meesha''s eyes widened in confusion. "I didn''t kill Sarah," she replied calmly. "The misunderstanding has long been cleared."


    The woman''s expression turned uglier. "No, you''re the one who killed Sarah," she spat. "You deserve to go to prison."


    Meesha''s confusion deepened. "I didn''t kill Sarah," she repeated. "The real murderer has been arrested."


    The teenage girl spoke up, her voice dripping with venom. "You have no respect just because you''re a celebrity," she sneered. "How dare you talk to my mother like that?"


    Meesha tried to keep her cool. "Who are you to Sarah?" she asked.


    The girl''s expression turned even uglier. "We''re her relatives," she replied bluntly. "My mother is Sarah''s aunt, and I''m her cousin."


    The woman chimed in, her voice rising. "We won''t let you off the hook for what you did to Sarah," she threatened. "You''ll pay for what you did."


    Meesha sighed, trying to reason with them. "You can check the news, check your phones, or ask anyone you know," she said. "It has already been cleared. The murderer has already been imprisoned."


    But the woman was having none of it. "You''re a liar," she spat. "You''re a bad person."


    The teenage girl joined in, her voice rising to a shrill. "Yeah, you''re a murderer! You deserve to die!"


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The woman''s eyes gleamed with malice. "You''re going to pay for what you did," she hissed. "You''re going to regret the day you ever crossed us."


    Meesha''s eyes widened in fear as the woman''s words sent shivers down her spine.


    The woman''s expression turned even uglier. "You must give us a compensation for Sarah''s death," she demanded.


    Meesha''s brow furrowed. "A compensation?" she repeated.


    The woman nodded, her eyes glinting with greed. "Yes, you must give us 50,000 dollars."


    Meesha''s eyes widened in shock. "Why should I give you money?" she asked.


    The woman''s expression turned even uglier. "You killed Sarah," she spat. "You must pay for what you did."


    Meesha''s annoyance piqued. "I didn''t kill Sarah," she repeated. "The real murderer has been arrested."


    The teenage girl spoke up, her voice dripping with hatred. "You''re just trying to cover your tracks," she sneered. "But we won''t let you get away with it."


    The woman''s eyes gleamed with malice. "You''ll regret it if you don''t give us the money. We''ll tell everyone you killed Sarah, we''ll tarnish your reputation, we''ll make sure you die."


    Meesha''s eyes widened in fear as the woman''s words sent chill through her.


    The woman spat. "You''re a disgusting person, you deserve to die."


    The teenage girl joined in, her voice rising to a shrill. "Yeah, you''re a murderer! You deserve to rot in hell!"


    Meesha''s raised her voice. "You two are frauds," she accused. "Why should I compensate you?"


    The woman''s face turned red with rage. "How dare you!" she shouted, her voice echoing. She raised her hand, slapping Meesha across the face with all her might.


    Meesha''s head snapped to the side, her cheek stinging from the force of the slap. She felt a searing pain as the woman''s ring brushed against her skin, leaving a jagged scratch that began to bleed.


    Meesha''s eyes welled up with tears as she looked at the woman, shocked and hurt. Her cheek throbbed with pain, and she could feel the warmth of her tears as they spilled down her face.


    The woman sneered, her eyes glinting with malice. "You''re so mannerless!" she spat. "How dare you speak to me like that? Is that how you speak to your mother?"


    Meesha eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at the woman.


    "I heard you''re an orphan, aren''t you?" she sneered. "You never had a mother to teach you right from wrong. That''s why you turned out unfilial like this."


    Meesha''s eyes overflowed with tears as the woman''s words struck a nerve. She felt a deep pain in her heart, and her tears flowed down like a river.


    "You''re a motherless child!" the teenage girl spat. "You''re a nobody! You don''t deserve to live!"


    "You deserve to die a slow and painful death! You''re a heartless, soulless monster!"


    Meesha''s tears flowed more as she listened to their hateful words. She felt like she was torn apart, her heart shattered into a million pieces.


    The woman''s eyes gleamed with malice. "You''re going to pay for what you did to Sarah," she repeated. "You''re going to regret the day you ever crossed us."


    The teenage girl nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you''re going to pay dearly for what you did," she sneered.


    After spilling out a torrent of hateful words, the woman and the girl finally left with a threat to return for the money the next day.


    *****


    Meesha walked into the house, her head lowered as she trudged along. Her hair fell forward, covering her face, and Xanqer couldn''t see her expression. But he could sense that something was off.


    "Is anything wrong?" Xanqer asked, his eyebrow raised in concern.


    Meesha just shook her head without lifting her face and walked upstairs. Xanqer watched her leave, feeling a sense of unease.


    Meesha went into her room and sat on the end of her bed, staring down at her hands. She felt a lump form in her throat as she thought about the woman''s words. The woman had said that she had no parents, and Meesha couldn''t help but feel a deep sadness whenever anyone said that to her. Why do they always have to remind her she grew up parentless?


    Tears began to fall as she thought about her past. She felt alone and vulnerable, and the woman''s words had cut deep.


    Just then, she heard the door open. She raised her head slightly and saw Xanqer standing in the doorway. She quickly lowered her head back down, not wanting him to see her tears.

 Chapter 39: Cover It Up With Makeup

    Xanqer walked into the room and looked at Meesha''s figure sitting on the bed, her head low. He saw that she wouldn''t raise her head, so he went down on one knee in front of her. He held her chin and raised it to meet her gaze. He saw the tears on Meesha''s and also a hint of redness next to her nose.


    "What''s this?" he asked, his eyes narrowing as he stroked a hair behind behind her ear.


    When he saw her face, he was slightly surprised. Her left cheek had a clear handprint imprinted on it, with fingers marks clearly visible. The handprint was red, with a deeper indentation where the woman''s fingers had dug into Meesha''s skin.


    There was also a scratch on her cheek. The scratch was deep and red.


    Xanqer''s face darkened as he took in the sight of Meesha''s injured cheek. "Who hit you?" Xanqer asked, his voice low and menacing.


    Meesha''s eyes looked down, and she couldn''t stop herself from crying. "Sarah''s aunt and her daughter came to me today," she sobbed. "They said a lot of bad things to me and said I killed Sarah and I deserve to die. She asked for a lot of money as compensation, and I couldn''t give it to her, so she hit me out of anger."


    Xanqer''s face darkened as he listened to Meesha''s words. He didn''t say anything, but his eyes flashed with anger.


    He got up and went downstairs, returning with a balm. He opened it and gently helped Meesha apply it to her cheek. Meesha''s cheek stung as he touched it, but she felt happy inside. She was happy that Xanqer cared.


    As he applied the balm, Meesha''s eyes were locked on his face, while his eyes were focused on the wound. Then, his eyes met hers, and Meesha stared into his eyes, hoping to see something. But Xanqer just averted his gaze and closed the balm.


    He held out her hand and put the balm''s plastic container in it, closing her hand around it. "Use it again before going to bed," he said.


    Then, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Meesha alone with her thoughts. Meesha looked at the balm in her hand and smiled happily, feeling a sense of comfort and security. She remembered Xanqer''s touch and smiled again, feeling a sense of warmth in her heart.


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    *******


    Meesha woke up the next morning feeling a sense of trepidation. She had barely slept the night before, her mind racing with thoughts of the previous day''s encounter with Sarah''s aunt. She took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach.


    As she got dressed, Meesha couldn''t help but think about the woman''s words. She had said that Meesha had no parents, and the comment had struck a nerve. Meesha had always been sensitive about her past, and the woman''s words had brought up a lot of painful memories.


    Meesha looked at her face in the mirror and winced. Her cheek was still red and sore, and the handprint was still visible. She tried to cover it up with some makeup, but it didn''t work. She then decided to wear a nose mask to cover her face and let her hair fall down to cover it.


    As she headed to the industry, Meesha couldn''t help but feel a sense of anxiety. She was worried about what people would say when they saw her face. She was worried about what they would think.


    When she reached the industry, Meesha canceled all her shoots. She couldn''t possibly take photos with a face like that. As she was heading home, Meesha saw a figure approaching her. It was Sarah''s aunt, and she looked different from the day before. She looked remorseful, and her eyes were filled with tears.


    "Meesha, please forgive me," Sarah''s aunt said, falling to her knees. "I was wrong to blame you for Sarah''s death. I was wrong to ask you for money. I was just trying to get some money from you, and I didn''t care who I hurt."


    Meesha was stunned. She didn''t know what to say or do. She looked around and saw that a crowd had gathered, and some people were recording the scene.


    "Please forgive me for what I did to you yesterday," Sarah''s aunt continued. "I''ll confess to everything I did. I''ll tell the police that I was the one who was trying to exploit you for money."


    Meesha looked at the woman, and for a moment, she felt a sense of pity for her. She saw the desperation in her eyes, the fear of being caught. But then she remembered the pain and the humiliation she had felt the day before, and her pity turned to anger.


    The woman removed the mask from Meesha''s face, revealing the handprint and scratch. The crowd gasped in shock, and Meesha felt a sense of embarrassment wash over her.


    "Oh my God, Meesha''s face is badly battered," someone said.


    "I feel bad for her. It must really hurt," another person commented.


    "That woman is devious. How could she badly batter Meesha''s face like that?" someone else asked.


    "How dare she ruin our ice queen''s beautiful face?"


    "She doesn''t deserve to be forgiven," a voice said.


    "She''s a fraud trying to exploit Meesha for money. To top it all, she even hit her," another person said.


    Meesha heard their words, and she looked at the woman, not knowing how to react. She didn''t understand why the woman was apologizing to her now, why she had suddenly confessed in front of all these people.


    Meesha led the woman to a secluded area, away from the prying eyes of the crowd. As soon as they were alone, the woman began begging for forgiveness.


    "Meesha, please, forgive me for what I did," she sobbed. "I was wrong, please forgive me."


    Meesha was still confused. "Why are you apologizing now? What''s wrong?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concern.


    The woman''s eyes welled up with tears. "Meesha, I know I did wrong, and you probably want to get your revenge. But please, forgive us now. We''ve suffered enough."

 Chapter 40: Visit More Hospitals

    Meesha''s confusion deepened. "Revenge? What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism.


    The woman''s face contorted in anguish as she began to explain. "Last night, when I was heading out with my daughter, a large truck suddenly came out of nowhere and hit her badly. It was like something out of a nightmare. The truck was speeding, and it didn''t even stop after hitting her. It just kept going, leaving my daughter lying in a pool of blood."


    Meesha''s eyes widened in good as the woman continued. "We rushed her to the hospital, but it was too late. Her legs were broken, and she was in excruciating pain. But that wasn''t even the worst of it. As we were trying to get her to the hospital, another truck came speeding around the corner. It was like the universe was conspiring against us. The truck ran over my daughter''s legs, squashing them like they were nothing. It was like something out of a horror movie."


    Meesha gasped, her eyes widening in horror. "Oh my God, that''s terrible!" she exclaimed. She couldn''t even bring herself to imagine the pain and suffering that the woman''s daughter must have endured.


    The woman nodded, tears streaming down her face. "We went to almost all the hospitals in town, but everyone refused to treat her. Please, forgive us. She has suffered enough. She''s in excruciating pain right now. She''s in a wheelchair, and her legs...they''re...they''re beyond repair. She''ll die if she doesn''t get treated soon."


    Meesha felt a pang of pity as the woman spoke. She couldn''t imagine what the woman and her daughter must be going through.


    "But I didn''t do it," Meesha said, shaking her head.


    The woman was confused. "Really? You didn''t do it?" she asked, her voice trembling.


    Meesha nodded. "No, I didn''t."


    But Meesha knew exactly who did it. She said to the woman. "Please, excuse me."


    The woman''s face lit up with hope as Meesha walked to a corner and pulled out her phone.


    Meesha dialed a number. As soon as the person on the other end picked up, Meesha asked, her voice hushed. "Xanqer, why did you do that to Sarah''s aunt''s daughter?"


    There was a pause on the other end of the line before Xanqer spoke. "I helped you get revenge."


    Meesha''s eyes widened in shock. "But I didn''t ask you to. I don''t want revenge. Her daughter has suffered enough now. Can you please let them go?"


    Xanqer''s voice was cold and unyielding. "Once I start a revenge, it must surely be completed."


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Meesha felt a chill run down her spine. "But Xanqer, we can''t just let her die."


    Xanqer''s voice was unmoved. "She wanted you to die. Why don''t you let her have a taste of her own medicine?"


    "But Xanqer¡ª" Before Meesha could respond, Xanqer hung up the phone. Meesha was left standing there, feeling helpless and confused.


    Meesha turned to the woman and felt bad that she couldn''t help her. The woman rushed to her, desperation etched on her face. "Who was that? Would my daughter be treated now?" she asked, her voice hopeful.


    Meesha shook her head, feeling a pang of guilt for not being able to help. She had to lie to the woman, not wanting to reveal Xanqer''s involvement. "I don''t know anything about it," she said, trying to sound convincing. "Maybe you should visit more hospitals. I''m sure they will be willing to help."


    Meesha quickly walked away, not wanting to prolong the conversation. She felt bad for the woman and her daughter, but she didn''t know what else to do.


    As she drove home, Meesha couldn''t shake off the feeling of unease. She knew that Xanqer had done something terrible, and she wasn''t sure if she should be grateful or angry.


    When she reached home, she saw Xanqer sitting on the couch, his laptop open in front of him. He looked up as she approached, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    Meesha went to meet him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Xanqer, about what you did to her daughter¡­" Her voice trailed off as she saw Xanqer''s expression. He wasn''t listening to her. Instead, he was examining her face with a critical eye.


    "It''s healing," he said, his voice detached. "You should apply the balm more consistently."


    Meesha felt a surge of frustration. Xanqer wasn''t even listening to her. He was too busy examining her face.


    As Xanqer walked away, Meesha grabbed his arm, feeling a bit shy. "About what you did to her daughter,¡­ thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Xanqer raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. Meesha nodded, smiling at him.


    Xanqer turned to Meesha, his face expressionless. "I just did what needed to be done," he said simply.


    Meesha nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. Xanqer turned and walked away, leaving Meesha feeling confused and uncertain.


    She watched him go, her mind racing with questions. Did he help her out of love, or was it just kindness? She didn''t know, and she didn''t want to overthink things. What if he didn''t love her, and he had only helped her out of pity?


    Meesha sighed and sat down in the chair, propping her chin up with her hand. She stared out the window, lost in thought. She wondered if she would ever be able to tell Xanqer how she really felt about him.


    Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the silence. Meesha got up to answer it, expecting it to be one of her staff members, but to her surprise, it was a delivery man holding a big box.


    "Hi, I have a delivery for Meesha Dasilva," he said with a smile.


    Meesha took the box, curious about what could be inside. She opened it to find a stuffed teddy bear and a heartfelt note of consolation from one of her fans.


    Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she read the note. It was so sweet of her fan to think of her like that.


    But before she could even process her emotions, the doorbell rang again. And again. And again.


    Meesha was shocked to find that she had a whole stream of delivery men coming to her door, each one bearing gifts from her fans.


    There were balms and creams to help her heal, flowers and chocolates to cheer her up, and even consolation money to help her through this tough time.


    Meesha was overwhelmed with emotion as she accepted each gift. She had no idea that her fans cared about her so much. She was just hit, not dead.


    Finally, after what felt like an hour of deliveries, Meesha sat down to take a break. She decided to post an update on her Instagram account to let her fans know that she was okay.


    "I''m okay now," she typed. "My face is already healing, and there''s no need to worry. In less than a week, my pretty face will return back to normal. Thanks for the gifts, I appreciate them. Yours, Meesha."


    As soon as she posted it, her phone started buzzing with notifications. Meesha turned them off and started reading through the comments.


    "So glad to hear that you''re okay, Meesha! We were all so worried about you"


    "Aww, thanks for the update, Meesha! We''re all sending you love and positive vibes"


    "I''m so relieved to hear that you''re healing well, Meesha! Take care of yourself"


    "You deserve all the love and support in the world, Meesha! We''re all here for you"


    "Thanks for being so strong and brave, Meesha!


    "I''m so glad that you''re okay, Meesha! We were all so scared for you"


    "You''re the best, Meesha! Thanks for always being so honest and open with us"


    "Sending you all my love and positive vibes, Meesha! Get well soon."

 Chapter 41: I Need To Blow My Nose

    [A WEEK LATER]


    ***********


    Meesha''s day had been filled with the glare of camera lights and the constant chatter of the photo crew, but as the shoot wrapped up, she couldn''t shake off the feeling of emptiness. She asked her bodyguards and driver to leave, wanting some time alone. Donning a nose mask to conceal her identity, she hailed a taxi and headed to the cemetery.


    As the taxi wound its way through the streets, Meesha leaned her head against the window, gazing out at the passing scenery. Her thoughts drifted to her parents, and a pang of longing struck her heart. She missed them terribly, and the pain of their loss still lingered, even after all these years. They had died when she was just five years old, and the weight of that memory still bore down on her.


    A tear rolled down her cheek, but she hastily wiped it away, trying to compose herself. The taxi finally came to a stop in front of the cemetery gates. Meesha thanked the driver, paid the fare, and stepped out into the quiet, stillness of the graveyard.


    The silence enveloped her like a shroud, and Meesha felt her heart grow heavy. She walked along the winding paths, her feet carrying her towards the graves of her parents. The headstones stood side by side, a poignant reminder of the love and laughter they had shared. Meesha''s eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at the photos etched into the stone.


    She knelt before the graves, her hands reaching out to touch the familiar names. The floodgates of her emotions threatened to burst, but she struggled to hold back the tears. Time seemed to stand still as she knelt there, lost in thought, her heart aching with grief.


    And then, like a specter from the past, the memories came flooding back. Meesha remembered the day her parents died, the circumstances that had led to the tragedy. The weight of her guilt crushed her, and she felt the sting of tears as she relived the pain of that fateful day.


    Meesha knelt in the darkness of the graveyard, the silence broken only by the sound of her own ragged breathing. Suddenly, footsteps echoed behind her, and her heart skipped a beat. She rose to her feet, her eyes scanning the shadows until they landed on Xanqer''s towering figure.


    As he approached, Meesha felt a wave of relief wash over her, but it was short-lived. Xanqer''s eyes narrowed, his voice laced with concern. "What are you doing here so late at night? Don''t you know how dangerous it is?"


    Meesha''s gaze dropped, her thoughts still consumed by the memories of her parents.


    Her lips trembled, and tears began to fall like rain, streaming down her face as she looked down. The sobs came harder, wracking her body with a grief so intense it seemed to suffocate her. Xanqer''s expression became puzzled by her tears. "What''s wrong? Why are you suddenly crying?"


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Meesha''s eyes met Xanqer''s, her face wet with tears. Her voice shook with sobs as she whispered, "Xanqer, my parents... they died all because of me." The words hung in the air like a challenge, daring Xanqer to contradict her.


    Xanqer''s eyebrow arched. "They died because of you?"


    Meesha nodded, the memories flooding back like a tidal wave. She took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a sorrowful cascade.


    "When I was five, my mom usually hid the lighters from me. But I got curious, and I wanted to know what it was. I took the lighter and turned it on. Then, a fire ignited suddenly, and I got scared and threw it on the carpet. The carpet got on fire, and I panicked and didn''t know what to do. Instead of telling my parents about it, I decided to keep it to myself to avoid getting into trouble."


    Meesha''s voice cracked, the tears flowing freely as she relived the horror. "Then I tried to stop the fire, but it got bigger and bigger. The fire went onto the walls, and it spread everywhere. I ran out of the room and into the living room. My parents had perceived the smoke from outside and rushed in. The fire had already reached the living room too by then. And they managed to help me escape from the house. But they couldn''t save themselves... it was too late."


    The words died on Meesha''s lips, her body shaking with sobs. Xanqer''s arms enveloped her, holding her close as she wept. Meesha''s mind was a maelstrom of pain, guilt, and sadness, the memories of that terrible day seared into her soul like a branding iron.


    She remembered standing outside the house, watching in horror as the flames consumed it, her parents trapped inside. The helplessness, the despair, and the anguish had been suffocating, leaving her with scars that would never fully heal.


    As she cried, Xanqer didn''t know what to do. He could only say; "You don''t have to blame yourself for it. It''s already in the past."


    But Meesha''s guilt and pain were too deeply entrenched, and she couldn''t help but whisper, shaking her head. "They died all because of me..."


    Xanqer raised an eyebrow as he looked down at her hair ¨C he deemed her pitiful. Meesha''s tears continued to flow, a torrent of sorrow that seemed to have no end. Xanqer held her close, his hand stroking her hair.


    Meesha''s tears flowed like a river as she cried for what felt like an eternity in Xanqer''s embracing arms. The warmth of his body and the gentle pressure of his hands on her back seemed to offer a sense of comfort and security, allowing her to release the pent-up emotions that had been weighing her down.


    Finally, she finally began to calm down, and with a sniffle, she detached herself from Xanqer''s embrace. She wiped her face with her palms, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She gazed down at Xanqer''s jacket, which was stained with her tears, and her face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh, sorry about that," she muttered, feeling a pang of regret.


    Xanqer''s expression was understanding, and he replied, "I''ll just take it off." Meesha nodded, watching as Xanqer slipped off his jacket, revealing a crisp white shirt underneath.


    As he did, Meesha realized she needed to blow her nose. But she didn''t have a handkerchief. She looked up at Xanqer, feeling a bit shy, and asked, "Xanqer, do you have a handkerchief? I need to blow my nose."


    Xanqer replied, "No," but then he added, "Use this instead," and tossed his jacket at her.


    Meesha was taken aback that Xanqer would offer her his jacket to blow her nose. She smiled up at him, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Thank you."


    Xanqer nodded and turned to walk away. "Meet me in the car."


    Meesha blew her nose with Xanqer''s jacket, feeling a bit silly but also relieved. As she blew her nose, Xanqer looked back at her, his eyebrow raised. "You can keep it," he said. Meesha''s eyes lit up, and she nodded, still holding the jacket to her nose. She smiled, feeling a sense of joy, and continued blowing her nose.


    After she finished, Meesha folded the jacket, inhaling the scent that lingered on the fabric. It smelled like Xanqer, unique blend of leather, wood, and something else that was distinctly him. She felt a flutter in her chest as she tucked the jacket into her bag and ran to catch up with Xanqer.


    As she fell into step beside him, Meesha asked, "Xanqer, why did you come looking for me?" Her face lit up with excitement. "Do you really have feelings for me this time?"