Moment of truth

Since finding out who he was, she didn’t know how to react. Should she be pissed? At what? That he didn’t tell her who he was?

The more she thought about it, the more she couldn’t blame him. He probably hadn’t met someone who didn’t recognize him before. But still, they were friends, and she deserved to know.

In the end, she played it cool and acted as she always had before she found out. To her, it made no difference. She just had to be careful not to be caught in a scandal with him—she loved her quiet, normal life.

What did he see in her anyway?

“How’s my favorite makeup artist doing?”

“She’s fine.”

He chuckled at the way she referred to herself in the third person.

“I’m fine too, thanks for asking.”

“I didn’t ask, silly,” she smiled.

“Can I see you later today? I’ll come to pick you up when you get off work.”

“I’m not sure.”

“Please let me see you, or I could come to your workplace.”

She groaned. There was no use trying to avoid him. Technically, he hadn’t done anything wrong.

“No, not my workplace,” she said.

He was puzzled by her response. “Okay… should I come pick you up and then we head to my place?”

Jasmine stared at the text, mulling it over. Was it wise to go to his place? But weirdly, when it came to him, she found herself making unwise decisions. Having him at her workplace wasn’t a better option.

“Sounds good. I get off work in an hour.”

He smiled. “See you then.”

She had her things packed when he texted her that he was outside. She bid her coworkers goodbye and breezed through the doors, trying not to look too suspicious.

She walked to the car in front of her and saw a man holding the door open. He brought his driver this time, she thought. She glanced around to make sure no one was watching before peeking in to confirm it was Khaleed. I’m not about to get kidnapped.

He saw her look around before sliding into the car and was surprised she didn’t comment on him having a driver.

“Hi.”

“Hi yourself.” She turned toward him. Damn, he looked so good in a three-piece suit.

“How was work?”

“You know, the usual. I’m sure you had a busy workday too.”

“You know it.”

He held out his hand to her. She stared at it with a confused expression, wondering what he wanted.

He smiled at her expression—how cute—and then took her hand in his. “I just want to hold your hand, if that’s okay.”

Her eyes widened in realization. Oh, that’s what he wanted. “You’re holding me already,” she joked to cover up her embarrassment.

He smiled and leaned back, holding her hand on his thigh. She stared at their hands, then leaned back, enjoying the quiet in the car before falling asleep.

She was shaken awake gently by him.

“I would have carried you, but I wasn’t sure if you’d want that,” he joked.

“It’s good you woke me,” she retorted.

They got out, and she stared wide-eyed at the house. She’d been to beautiful houses when doing house calls, but his took the cake.

“It’s beautiful,” she said quietly.

“Thank you,” he shrugged, then held her hand again, leading her inside.

The house was nothing short of breathtaking. As Jasmine stepped inside, her eyes were immediately drawn to the grand chandelier hanging from the double-height ceiling in the foyer. It sparkled like a constellation, casting a warm, golden glow on the marble floors below. The walls were adorned with abstract art pieces, each one a masterpiece.

The living room was a vision of understated luxury, with plush cream sofas arranged around a sleek glass coffee table. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked a manicured garden, complete with a fountain and a pool that shimmered under soft outdoor lights. Persian rugs with intricate patterns were spread across the floors, adding warmth to the expansive space.

A spiral staircase, made of polished wood and wrought iron, wound gracefully to the upper levels, its design both modern and timeless. The subtle scent of fresh flowers wafted through the air, coming from an elaborate arrangement that rested on a marble pedestal near the entrance.

Every detail, from the gold-trimmed curtains to the crystal decanters on the sideboard, screamed elegance. It was the kind of house that made you feel like you’d stepped into a magazine spread or the home of a movie star. Jasmine couldn’t help but feel out of place, glancing self-consciously at her casual outfit.

He watched her reaction and noticed her look at herself. He hated that she felt inadequate. If she were his usual type, she’d be decked out in designer wear that barely covered her body. But here she was in baggy clothes, and all he cared about was how she would treat him after he told her the truth.

“Please sit.”

“Thanks.”

“What would you like?” he asked.

“Water is fine.” She didn’t think she could stomach anything else.

He left to get it, and she pulled out her phone, shooting a quick text to Jessica, telling her to let Omma know she’d be home a bit late.

“Here.”

She put her phone down before accepting the glass.

“I want to go change. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” she replied, watching him go.

He came back dressed in lounge pants and a white polo.

“I’m happy to have you here,” he said, sipping from her glass of water.

She decided to spring the question on him.

“When do you plan on telling me you’re Khaleed Hadi?”

He choked on the drink, and she rushed over to rub his back.

“Are you okay?” she asked worriedly, taking the glass from him and putting it on the table.

“Since when have you known?”

“Quite recently. Your sister and her friend came to my workplace, and I found out who her brother is.”

He looked at her guiltily.

“It’s fine, though. I understand why you didn’t tell me. We just have to be careful when meeting from now on.”

Hurt flashed in his eyes.

“I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I just don’t want to make headline news,” she rushed to assure him. “I heard you’ve got a fanbase. Don’t want anyone coming after me. They wouldn’t understand that we’re just friends.”

Just friends? He wanted more than that.

“I was going to tell you today, but you beat me to it. No wonder you didn’t comment on seeing James.”

“Your driver?”

“Yeah. I take it that’s why you told me not to come to your workplace too.”

“Of course.”

“I didn’t think of that at the time. I just wanted to see you and maybe talk you into coming here. You were being a bit distant.”

Jasmine was miffed at his confession. “What do you see in me?” she asked quietly.

“What?” He wasn’t sure he heard her correctly.

“Why do you want to be friends with me?”

He was puzzled. Did she really just ask him that?