Chapter # 5

Noor walked into the office with a calm confidence, her light grey outfit simple but sharp, her black flats tapping quietly on the floor. Inside, her phone buzzed with dinner reminders, but she pushed it aside. She wasn't going to let Rayyan Zayd think he could completely knock her off balance.

Ahmed greeted her with his usual polite nod. "Good afternoon, Miss Noor."

"Ahmed," she said with a little grin, "tell your boss to chill today. He's too wound up."

Ahmed chuckled nervously. "I'm trying… but you're the cause, so…" He let the sentence trail off, walking away.

Noor's brow rose.

I'm the cause? Interesting.

A few minutes later, during the team briefing, she sat in her usual spot—second seat from the end. But today, Rayyan broke the routine.

"Move here," his deep voice echoed across the table, motioning to the seat directly beside him.

The room went a little too quiet.

Noor blinked, cool as ever, but the smallest smile played on her lips. "New seating chart?" she asked lightly, getting up.

"Temporary," Rayyan replied smoothly, but the glint in his eye was anything but casual.

The meeting continued, discussions flying, numbers on the screen… but Noor felt it. Every time she shifted, his eyes tracked. Every time someone addressed her, Rayyan's head subtly turned to listen. His jaw tensed when one of the male consultants praised her presentation.

She leaned slightly his way, just enough for him to hear. "Relax… I'm not running away before dinner."

Rayyan's lips twitched, just a little. "Good. Saves me the trouble of chasing you."

Her heart thudded—not in panic, but in a strange, thrilling way.

By the time the meeting wrapped up, Noor knew one thing for sure…

Dinner tonight wasn't going to be simple.

Evening — Noor's Room

Noor stood in front of her mirror, tilting her head.

"Comfortable," she muttered, glancing at Rayyan's message again.

Most girls would've panicked. Overthought. Googled fancy outfit ideas.

Noor?

She shrugged, tossing her silk scarf over her shoulder, pairing it with a soft olive green dress—simple, flowy, modest but carrying enough style to make a statement. Light makeup, soft blush, nothing heavy.

Comfortable, but I'll still make sure his jaw tightens a little, she thought, smirking to herself.

Her sister peeked in. "So… CEO dinner?"

Noor grabbed her clutch, cool as ice. "Work-related."

Her sister raised a brow. "Work doesn't usually come with private dinners and intense glares."

Noor chuckled. "It does now."

She slipped on her low block heels—practical, no drama—and checked herself one last time.

Inside, a quiet swirl of curiosity built up.

Was it just professional appreciation? Was it more?

Maybe a power game… maybe something deeper.

One thing's sure, she told herself, I'll enjoy it, but I'm not losing my head over anyone. Not even Mr. Intense CEO.

Her phone buzzed.

RAYYAN ZAYD:

Outside.

Noor glanced at the clock. Exactly on time… typical. She grabbed her purse, sprayed a light vanilla perfume, and smiled to herself.

"Let's see what the boss has planned.

Outside Noor's House — Evening

Rayyan leaned back in the driver's seat, fingers drumming against the steering wheel. His expression was calm—on the surface. But his jaw was set, eyes fixed on the front door.

Then she stepped out.

Simple. Elegant. Effortless.

No flashy designer logos, no overdone makeup. Just Noor—confident, modest, walking with that same easy swagger that made his chest tighten in a way he couldn't explain.

He had seen women dressed to kill. Women who walked into rooms craving attention.

But Noor… she didn't have to try. And that's exactly why she got under his skin.

Rayyan's grip on the steering wheel flexed as she walked towards the car, every step sure, shoulders relaxed. His black SUV suddenly felt too small to contain the storm she brought with her.

She opened the door, sliding into the passenger seat like it was the most natural thing.

Her scent—soft, fresh—floated in, and Rayyan took a second longer than necessary before speaking.

"You're exactly on time," he said, voice lower than usual.

Noor buckled her seatbelt, glancing at him with a calm smile. "You expected me to be late?"

Rayyan's lips tugged into something sharp. "No. I expected you to make me wait a little… just to prove a point."

Noor's brows lifted, a slight playful tilt to her lips. "Trust me… when I want to mess with you, you'll know."

Rayyan exhaled, turning the engine on, a slow grin threatening to break through his usually controlled exterior.

She's dangerous in ways she doesn't even realize…

And tonight… he was going to enjoy every minute of it.

The car hummed quietly as they drove through the city, sunset casting a soft orange glow over the streets. Traffic was light, but Rayyan didn't rush—he wasn't in a hurry to reach the restaurant. He was enjoying the silence… or more specifically, her presence beside him.

Noor leaned slightly against the window, watching the world pass by, one leg casually crossed over the other. She looked completely at ease, like this wasn't a CEO's car, like the man driving her wasn't the most feared name in the industry.

Rayyan glanced sideways, lips twitching. "You're unusually quiet."

Her head turned, brown eyes meeting his. "I thought you liked quiet people."

"I like quiet rooms… but you're not quiet, Noor," he said smoothly. "You're… calculated. Like you speak only when it'll have the most effect."

Noor shrugged lightly. "And you don't like that?"

His grip tightened on the steering wheel. "I didn't say that."

She smiled, looking out the window again. "I'm just enjoying the ride. You're driving yourself tonight… didn't expect that."

Rayyan's jaw flexed, eyes forward. "Some things I don't trust anyone else with."

Noor didn't reply immediately, but her smile lingered.

Good, he thought, let her wonder.

He cleared his throat after a pause. "You didn't ask where we're going."

"I figured I'd find out when we get there," she said simply. "You like control. So… I'll let you enjoy it for a bit."

Rayyan's chest tightened slightly, something warm slipping through his usual walls. This wasn't like his usual dinners—there was no fake small talk, no forced charm. She was herself… and it made him want to drop his act too.

His voice dropped lower. "It's not a five-star rooftop or some flashy place… it's something… quieter."

Noor turned again, curious. "Interesting."

Rayyan's lips twitched. "Maybe I wanted to see you like this. Comfortable. Unfiltered."

Noor raised a brow, sass returning. "Careful, Rayyan… you might end up liking me too much."

Rayyan laughed softly, a real, low sound vibrating in the car. Too late, he thought

The car slowed to a stop in front of a quiet, tucked-away restaurant—no grand signs, no waiting crowd, just warm amber lights glowing behind large glass windows.

Rayyan got out first, circling to open Noor's door before she even touched the handle.

Noor stepped out, looking around, surprised. "This is… different."

Rayyan gave a slight grin. "No noise. No flashing cameras. Just peace."

Noor adjusted her scarf lightly, head tilting as she studied him. "Didn't think peace was your style."

"It's not," he replied, shutting the door. "But you… are different."

Their eyes held for a second longer than necessary.

Inside, the restaurant was cozy, soft wood and gold touches, a quiet corner already prepared for them. Private, but not suffocating. Elegant, but not over the top.

Rayyan let her walk a step ahead before joining her at the table. He watched the way Noor took it all in—relaxed but alert, eyes sharp, every little movement intentional.

He wasn't used to this.

Not to watching someone without having to impress them.

Not to being more interested in her reactions than the food.

As they settled into their seats, the waiter appeared quietly.

"Order what you like," Rayyan said, voice smooth but with quiet insistence. "You're not here to impress anyone."

Noor's lips curved. "Good… because I don't impress easily."

Rayyan leaned back, satisfied. "Neither do I… but you're doing a fine job so far."

For the first time in years, Rayyan wasn't calculating business moves. He was… present. And it felt dangerous. It felt right.

The soft clink of cutlery filled the air as their food arrived—simple dishes, nothing extravagant, but everything fresh and full of flavor.

Noor took a bite, eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Okay… I'll admit, this is better than I expected."

Rayyan smirked, swirling his water glass in hand. "Did you think I only knew overpriced fine dining?"

She shrugged casually, "You look like someone who eats gold-leaf steaks while closing million-dollar deals."

Rayyan chuckled, voice smooth. "I could… but I don't waste time impressing people who don't matter."

Her fork paused mid-air. "And I matter?"

His jaw flexed slightly, gaze darkening. "More than you realize."

Noor smiled, lowering her fork, voice playful but sharp. "Careful… you sound like someone who gets attached too easily."

Rayyan leaned forward, arms resting on the table, voice low. "I don't get attached easily… that's why it bothers me."

Noor blinked, caught off-guard for a moment before recovering with her usual calm. "I'm not some broken thing that needs fixing, Rayyan."

"I know," he said simply, "that's what makes you dangerous to me."

She looked at him for a moment, really looked—seeing the hard edges, the protective fury from the party, the intensity in his stare… but also something deeper. A softness he didn't show the world.

"And you?" Noor asked, eyebrow raised. "You don't strike me as someone who needs saving either."

Rayyan's smile was slow, a little wicked. "I don't. But I wouldn't mind getting lost… for the right reasons."

For the first time, Noor didn't have a quick comeback. Her heart thudded, a soft warmth blooming in her chest… mixed with warning bells.

This wasn't casual.

This wasn't some playful dinner.

This… was Rayyan Zayd, slowly breaking down her walls.

And somehow… she wasn't in a rush to stop him.

Dinner ended quietly, but the air between them was heavier—charged, but not uncomfortable. Rayyan paid with a small nod, no flex, no drama. Just calm control.

Outside, the night breeze was gentle, city lights soft in the distance. Rayyan walked beside Noor in silence, matching her pace without even trying.

Noor glanced sideways, voice softer now. "So… was this your strategy? A calm dinner to confuse me?"

Rayyan's lips tugged slightly, hands in his pockets. "No. Tonight… was for me."

She blinked up at him, curious.

"For you to…?" she pressed.

"To remind myself," he said quietly, "that there are still moments outside boardrooms… moments that… feel different."

Noor's steps slowed as they reached the car. Rayyan opened the door but didn't rush her in.

She stood by the open door, eyes holding his.

"I don't do meaningless things, Noor," Rayyan continued, voice low, honest. "Not in business… not in life."

Noor swallowed lightly, fingers tracing the edge of her clutch. "Neither do I."

They stood there for a heartbeat, unspoken words hovering in the cool night air.

Rayyan stepped closer, not touching, just enough for her to feel the weight of his presence.

"I'm not here to chase you," he said quietly, eyes dark but steady. "I'm here… because for the first time in years… I actually want to know someone."

Noor didn't smile. She didn't flirt back.

She just nodded, simple and sure.

"Good," she whispered, "because I don't run… I walk straight into storms."

Rayyan's chest tightened, jaw clenching slightly… a storm he willingly wanted to get lost in.

With a soft nod, he closed the door after her, circling to the driver's seat.

Tonight wasn't about winning or proving anything.

It was about… beginning.

The city rolled past her window, headlights streaking in soft blurs, but Noor wasn't really looking.

Her fingers rested loosely on her lap, the bracelet around her wrist shifting slightly as the car moved. She could feel the quietness of Rayyan beside her, focused on driving—but even in silence, his presence was heavy. Not in a suffocating way… but in a way that stayed.

Her heart wasn't racing. It was… steady. But something in her chest felt different—something she hadn't allowed to surface in a long time.

She wasn't impressed by the expensive car, or the tailored clothes, or the polished control.

It was how he'd looked at her—like he'd seen something no one else bothered to notice.

Not the confident Noor in office heels, not the girl who could handle business deals… but the version of her she kept hidden: the quiet, honest, simple Noor who liked peace more than power.

Her phone vibrated.

> Bestie: How's CEO night? 👀 Drama or peace?

Noor stared at the text, lips twitching.

Neither… it's… different.

For a long moment, she stayed quiet, watching Rayyan's strong hands on the wheel, his jaw calm, his focus ahead.

Maybe she didn't know what this was.

Maybe it was dangerous… maybe it was beautiful… maybe it was both.

But tonight, she didn't feel the need to overthink it.

She leaned back in her seat, a soft, quiet smile playing on her lips.

Let's see where this goes…

The car slowed to a smooth stop outside her house. Noor blinked out of her thoughts, realizing they'd reached.

Rayyan turned off the engine but didn't speak immediately. The silence wasn't awkward—it was heavy with things unspoken.

Noor unbuckled her seatbelt, her hand on the door handle, but before stepping out, she glanced his way.

"Thank you… for tonight," she said, voice softer than usual, no sarcasm, no playful tone—just simple honesty.

Rayyan's gaze shifted to her, jaw relaxed, expression calm but intense. "It won't be the last."

Her lips curved faintly. "Confident, aren't you?"

He smiled, but it wasn't smug—it was something softer, something Noor hadn't expected from him. "No… sure."

For a brief second, their eyes held—quiet understanding passing between them. No need for forced words, no need to define what was happening. Just… something real in that silence.

Noor stepped out, clutch in hand, and Rayyan watched her walk toward her front door, shoulders straight, head high—same swag, same calmness.

Just as she reached the door, she turned slightly, eyes meeting his through the windshield. She raised one hand, not a wave… just a small, quiet goodbye.

Rayyan's fingers tapped once on the steering wheel, giving a single, subtle nod.

Noor's heart felt light… grounded… and for the first time in a long while, safe in a way she couldn't explain.

With a soft smile to herself, she walked inside—unaware that Rayyan stayed parked a little longer, watching until her lights turned on.