Chapter 45 : Behaving so good? It's questionable.
Sophia's anger simmered as she confronted Rafi in their bedroom. The air was thick with tension, and the accusations hung heavily between them.
Sofia was a model and Rafi's wife. And at the age of 40 she was a timeless beauty. With fire in her eyes, Sophia pointed an accusatory finger at Rafi. "How could you do this to me, Rafi? You cheated on me!"
"Sophia, listen, I didn't cheat on you. It's not what you think." Rafi protested.
Sophia crossed her arms, disbelief etched across her face. "Don't lie to me, Rafi. I saw you with her."
Rafi ran his hands through his hair, frustration evident on his face. "Sophia, it's not that simple. Ibrahim was involved. Someone spiked my drink at the party. I woke up next to her, and I have no idea how it happened."
"Oh, please! You expect me to believe that? I've seen you with her before. This is not the first time!" Sofia's anger increased.
"Sophia, I swear, I have no idea about those times. It's Ibrahim's doing. He's trying to ruin us." Rafi was trying to make her understand.
Sophia scoffed, "Really, Rafi? You're blaming Ibrahim now? How convenient."
Rafi pleaded, "Sophia, you have to believe me. I love you, and I would never do something like this intentionally."
Sophia paced the room, "Love? Actions speak louder than words, Rafi. I can't believe you'd bring shame to our marriage like this."
"Sophia, we can get through this. I need you to trust me. It's all a setup." All of Rafi's efforts were going in vain.
Sophia shook her head, "How can I trust you when I've seen you with that woman multiple times? Don't insult my intelligence, Rafi."
Rafi sighed, "Yes, Sophia, I was with her in the past, but it's old. It's over. I love you, and I'd never willingly hurt you."
"You were cheating on me all this time, Rafi?" Sofia snapped.
"I made mistakes in the past, but I've changed. I want to make things right between us." Rafi pleaded again.
"I can't believe I trusted you. You betrayed me, Rafi. How could you do this to our marriage?" She was unmoved.
"I'm begging you to listen, Sofia. I love you, and I regret every mistake I've made." Rafi tried to reach her out.
"Regret won't change the past. You've shattered my trust. I can't do this anymore. I want a divorce." Sofia retorted.
"Sophia, please, we can work through this. I can change. I'll do anything to fix our marriage." The panic settled inside Rafi.
"No, Rafi. I won't be part of this charade any longer. I deserve better." Sofia replied.
"Sophia, think about my political career. I'll join in Politics soon. A divorce will ruin everything I've worked for." Rafi tried.
Sophia scoffed, "Your political career? That's all you care about? What about my reputation? I won't let it be dragged through the mud because of your mistakes."
"Sophia, please don't do this. We can find another way. I'll do whatever it takes to make it right." Rafi implored.
"I've heard that before, Rafi. I won't let myself be deceived again. I won't let my personal life be dictated by public opinion. I'll go to court if I have to. I won't let my reputation and career be tarnished because of your mistakes." Sofia remained steadfast.
...
The rhythmic sound of raindrops echoed through the room. It was raining from the morning. The overcast sky painted a dreary backdrop to the day. And Ava buried herself in her studies. But Ava found herself struggling against drowsiness as she read her notes on the bed. There were no study desk in the bedroom so she had to read on bed. She murmured to herself Ibrahim should add a study desk and chair for her.
The door creaked open, and Ibrahim entered. He approached Ava and extended the cup towards her. Ava eyed the tea suspiciously and quipped, "Did you mix poison in it?"
With a world-weary sigh, Ibrahim mumbled, "She doesn't even trust me."
Ava accepted the tea, retorting, "Trust has to be earned, not freely given."
Ibrahim sat on Ava's double bed, his gaze momentarily shifting to the notes she was meticulously compiling.
Ava asked, "Why are you perched on my bed?"
With an air of nonchalance, Ibrahim reassured, "No intentions of sleep here. Don't worry."
Ava sipped her tea. She noticed his attire – a black t-shirt and brown trousers. "Aren't you going to your 'legal' office today?"
Ibrahim was still focused on Ava's notes. He shook his head in no.
Taking a sip of her tea, Ava surmised, "That means you have a shipment today."
And Ibrahim confirmed with a nod.
Ava probed further, "What are you delivering today?"
Ibrahim replied with a casual tone, "Arms"
Ava leaned in and asked curiously, "From where is it going to be delivered?"
Ibrahim looked at her and teased, "Interested? Tonight, you can come with me and see for yourself."
Ava questioned, "Go where?"
Ibrahim elaborated, "To see how the delivery works."
Ava eyed him skeptically. She thought if Ibrahim was really teasing her or he was telling the truth. Should she discuss with Elara about today's shipment?
"What if I tell all this to Elara? Next day, he'll arrest you."
Ibrahim looked at Ava and smirked confidently, "I'm smarter than the police, Baby Girl. I've been in this business for 12 years, and our shipments have only been caught three times."
Ava furrowed her brows, i"And what happens after that?"
Ibrahim explained, "Commission." He indicated with two fingers, mimicking the counting of money.
Ava sighed again. What else could she expect from a mafia? In the meantime Ava finished her tea.
Breaking the quiet moment, Ibrahim suggested, "Let's go to my study room. You can read there."
Arching her eye, Ava asked, "Why would I go there?"
"No one enters my study without permission, but you, Ava, you have my whole heart." Ibrahim replied.
Ava was taken aback by his overt flirtation, "Don't flirt with me Mr. Rahman."
Without further ado, Ibrahim gathered her books and notebooks, asserting, "Let's go."
Ava trailed behind him. She was puzzled by his unusually well-behaved nature. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, especially since Ibrahim hadn't made any attempt to touch her today.
They entered Ibrahim's study room. The shelves were organised with many books. There was a diverse range of literature, from classic novels to academic tomes.
Ava settled on chairs near the large Mahgony table. Ava's gaze wandered around the room, taking in the details of the study that she had only glimpsed once before. She last saw the studyroom when Elara came in The Rahman Mansion, the day before her marriage.
Ibrahim stood before the shelf, "You know, Ava, you're not like the others."
Ava opened her book, "I don't aim to be."
Ibrahim smirked and picked up a book from the shelf, "You challenge me.And It's refreshing."
"I don't aim to entertain you." Ava shot back.
"No need to be defensive. I'm just stating facts." Ibrahim smiled.
"Why the change in your behaviour today? You are behaving so nice." Ava looked at Ibrahim.
Ibrahim sat on the chair beside Ava and told, "Even a lion shows its gentle side sometimes."
Ava scoffed, "A lion remains a predator, regardless of its behavior."
"Yet, the lion might surprise you with its complexities." Ibrahim told.
Hours passed. Ibrahim, sitting beside Ava, also immersed himself in a book. However, after a while, he noticed Ava's intense focus. Her brows were furrowed, and she absentmindedly nibbled on her pen.
Breaking the silence, Ibrahim inquired, "Finding something difficult, Baby Girl?"