Chapter 152 : "My heart used to love even the thorns of a rose. But now, even a simple flower terrifies me."

"But then why?" Tanin pressed, "Why are you hiding if there wasn't another woman?"

Ava's gaze dropped to her clenched fists, "Betrayal. That's what I can't stomach. He betrayed me. God only knows how many times he lied to my face. He built a world of love, a facade so beautiful it blinded me. But beneath it all, there was something else - I couldn't see. I was just... an object to him. His love was beautiful on the outside, but suffocating within. He controlled me, manipulated me. He made me feel like I owed him something. Now I understand that my entire existence was for his benefit. He made me questions about my worth."

She had started to believe that her life in Rahman Mansion was a prison she'd been trapped in for far too long. And in a way it really was. She had realised now Ibrahim's love was a constructed cage. He'd used sweet words and grand gestures to build her trust, only to use it against her. The way he'd twist his words to serve his own agenda...

Ava closed her eyes, "My heart used to love even the thorns of a rose. But now, even a simple flower terrifies me."

Despite his mischievous streak, Tanin wasn't heartless. He saw the remnants of a love that had turned sour. He understood, perhaps on a simpler level, that Ava had been deeply in love with her husband, a love so strong it had blinded her. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to move on, but the process, he could tell, was a painful one. 

"Ava," he began hesitantly, "how does it feel… to be a fool in love?"

Ava let out a shaky laugh with her closed eyes, her head resting against the headboard, "It's like holding him close like an umbrella, sheltering myself from the rain. But then I realise he is the storm."

Nowadays she wanted to cry for sometime. Her lacrimal glands, those tiny factories beneath her eyelids, had seemingly shut down.

Now, all she did was think. Overthink. Should she have told Elara everything from the start? About Ibrahim showing up at her apartment, the unwanted phone calls, the bouquet of white roses? Hindsight was a cruel thing.

Perhaps, if she had spoken up, things could have been different. Maybe Ibrahim wouldn't have been able to manipulate her into marriage with threats. Maybe she wouldn't be living in a foreign country now. 

She had placed all her happiness in Ibrahim's hands. He became her entire world, and that, she realized with a bitter clarity, was her biggest mistake. The blame wasn't solely on him; she had allowed him to control her. Now she was trapped in a situation of her own making.

Tanin tried to break through Ava's fog of self-blame. "Hey, stop thinking so much! Let's go for a ride! We can grab some breakfast near my school, it's way better than anything this house cooks up. And don't worry about safety, that's my department!"

With that, Tanin vanished only to reappear a moment later holding a black helmet. Ava's eyes widened slightly. The helmet, though dusty from neglect in the storage room, was clearly designed for a female.

Three tiny crystals were clustered on the forehead of the helmet, catching the light with an unexpected shimmer. On the back, a row of white hearts formed a playful border. And etched along the bottom, barely visible beneath a film of dust, was a quote in a swirling script: "She who dares to ride, she who dares to be free."

"Papa bought it when my cousin came to visit," Tanin explained, holding the helmet. "It's perfect for you."

Ava offered a small smile, her way of politely declining. But Tanin was persistent. "No worries, no worries. You can wear a mask for extra protection. I'll tell Mummy to clean the helmet right away. Just get ready, okay?" He practically bounced on the balls of his feet. "Let's go. Let's go. Let's go."

Ava hesitated, biting her lip. "But Tanin," she started, "how can I eat with a helmet on? And even if I take it off, there will be other people in the restaurant. Won't that be risky?"

Tanin paused. His main mission was to get Ava out of that stuffy room and into the sunshine, even for a little while. "Aha!" he exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "We can get the food packed to go! Then we can find a nice quiet place to eat, somewhere without many people."

"We could go to Khlong Hae Park!" he declared. "It's usually pretty calm in the mornings, and there's a lovely little lake where we can sit and enjoy our breakfast."

And finally Ava agreed to go. 

.....

The Kuala Lumpur night has fallen. While the heat of the day may have lingered a bit, a cool breeze has likely begun to sweep through the streets, bringing a welcome respite from the afternoon warmth. December nights in Kuala Lumpur tend to be comfortable, with temperatures dipping down to around 23°C. This pleasant coolness, combined with the lower humidity that often sets in after sunset, creates a refreshing and inviting atmosphere. 

Professor Syed pulled his car into the building's parking lot, his headlights momentarily illuminating the sleek lines of the high-rise before him. His destination: the penthouse apartment of Rafi Ahmed which perched atop the building.

An 'emergency' had brought him here. 

Professor Syed unbuckled his seatbelt, about to step out, when a movement caught his eye.

Emerging from the elevator doors was Farah. She clutched her phone tightly, her gaze glued to the screen as she walked towards the main entrance with a quiet urgency, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. Professor Syed's brow furrowed. Farah here? Who could she be meeting here!

The thought flitted through his mind for a moment before he dismissed it. After all, this was a large building with many residents. She could meet anyone. 

With a mental shrug, Professor Syed stepped out of his car. When he reached Rafi's apartment, the familiar face of the butler greeted him politely, "Professor Syed, a pleasure to see you again."

Settling in a couch, Professor Syed's gaze drifted to the coffee table where two empty teacups sat, a lone silver teapot gleaming beside them. A housekeeper bustled about, carefully clearing the table.

Prof. Syed reached for his glasses, his fingers fiddling with them before slipping them into his shirt pocket.

"Did anyone visit Mr. Ahmed recently?"

The butler inclined his head. "Yes, sir," he replied smoothly. "Rafi sir's niece was here just a moment ago. Can I interest you in some refreshments, perhaps tea or coffee?"

Niece. Farah was Rafi's niece. Both bore the same last name – Ahmed. It made sense now. Why hadn't he made the connection before?

"No, thank you," he replied, waving away the offer of refreshments. "Just call Mr. Ahmed."

Rafi emerged from an inner room, "Oh Professor, What a pleasant surprise" 

What brings you here after such a long absence?"

Professor Syed offered a thin smile, "Apologies, Rafi," he replied, shaking Rafi's hand with a firm grip. "I understand you've been rather… occupied with your recent divorce proceedings. I didn't want to intrude."

Rafi chuckled while settling on the opposite Professor Syed, "You could say that. Life has a way of throwing problems. The divorce, well, let's just say it was a necessary evil. But there's a certain peace that comes with a clean slate. Again a bachelor life." 

He raised an eyebrow playfully. "Perhaps you too should consider tasting the dessert of marriage yourself, Professor."

"Indeed," Prof. Syed admitted. "The thought has crossed my mind recently."

Rafi's grin widened. "Excellent! Now, the question remains. Is there a special lady in mind for this marital dessert? After all, knowing you and your…particular tastes, I imagine you wouldn't settle for just anyone."

He studied Professor Syed intently, "Someone with a good reputation, perhaps? A colleague, maybe?"

Prof. Syed raised a finger playfully, cutting Rafi off mid-sentence. "Why colleagues, Rafi? Honestly, the idea of a workplace romance doesn't particularly appeal to me. However...my interest lies elsewhere. Shall we say, with a student of mine?"

Rafi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. A student? This was certainly unexpected. "An interesting choice. But a dangerous one, wouldn't you say? Tell me who is this student?

"You know her quite well, Rafi," Prof. Syed countered. 

"Oh, you're making this very interesting, Professor," he purred, "Do tell."

Professor Syed took a deep breath. He leaned in slightly, "Farah Ahmed, Your niece."