The Wrong Man
“Who are you? Why have you brought me here?” Mía asked nervously.
“My name is Ahmed Khan Assad.”
“I don’t know why you brought me here or what your intentions are, but please, you have to let me go back.”
“You need to calm down so I can explain.”
“You don’t understand. If I don’t go back, they’ll marry my sister to that man.”
Mía felt desperate at the thought.
“Don’t worry, they won’t marry your sister to Carlo,” Ahmed said calmly.
“How do you know?”
“I had a conversation with your fiancé at his bachelor party. He was a bit drunk and told me some things that made me bring you here to stop the wedding.”
“What could Carlo have told you? I don’t understand.”
“Your father’s company isn’t bankrupt. Carlo is a partner and has been investing in it for some time. He conspired with your stepmother to help him marry you.”
Mía was taken aback, not knowing what to think. Ahmed deliberately left out the fact that Carlo had killed her father, as revealing it at this moment would cause her too much pain. He also didn’t mention that he was the man she spent the night with.
“I’m so confused. I don’t know if what you’re saying is true.”
“Why would I lie to you? Besides, they’re sending me the financial report of your father’s company to prove what I say. It’s up to you to accept my help or go back and marry that man.”
Mía remained silent, unsure of what to say. Ahmed received the file, showing it to her on his phone to prove the truth of his words.
“Now you see, they’ve been deceiving you in the worst way possible.”
Mía said nothing and wept.
“As I said, it’s your decision. This plane is about to take off for New York. Accept my help, or stay here.”
“Thank you. I truly appreciate your help. I don’t really have any other choice,” Mía replied.
Ahmed gave the order for takeoff, and Mía fell asleep soon after. She had several drinks, hoping to escape her reality. Ahmed observed her face, feeling a strange emotion inside. He couldn’t help but admire her beauty and felt as though he could watch her forever.
When Cambell arrived at the airport, the plane had already taken off. He would have to catch another commercial flight. Ahmed had once again left him stranded. He didn’t understand why Ahmed always rushed off so quickly after events like these.
Several hours later, the plane landed at a private hangar in New York City. Zafir was waiting for them. Mía was incredibly nervous; she didn’t know these people, but she had no other choice but to trust them. It was either that or return to Carlo, which she would never do.
They got into a car, and the scent of the man felt familiar to Mía. Perhaps it was because he was with her at the church office and the handkerchief he offered had his scent. After a while, they arrived at a luxurious building, and they entered the penthouse on the top floor, offering an incredible view of the city.
“Do you live here?”
“Yes,” Ahmed lied. The penthouse was actually where he stayed when he wanted to escape the ghosts that haunted his mansion. He owned the building and had some vacant apartments, but he didn’t tell Mía this. He wanted her to stay with him.
“I will take you to your room. Feel free to make yourself at home. From now on, this will be your home as well.”
“Thank you. I’ll ask my friend to send my documents. From tomorrow, I’ll start looking for work and find a place to live.”
“I don’t think it’s advisable to contact your friend right now. Carlo Roman is a powerful man, and most likely, he’s tapped the phones of those closest to you. If you communicate with them, he could trace the call and find you.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t want to be a burden to you, Mr. Assad.”
“Ahmed. Just call me Ahmed. And there’s no need to worry. I offered my help sincerely. I can’t stand injustice.”
Ahmed reminded himself mentally not to talk about the injustice he caused to Lyna. He didn’t reveal that he was the man she spent the night with, knowing it would scare her and possibly make her hate him. He would tell her the truth when the time was right.
“Thank you, Mr. Ahmed. I truly appreciate you saving me from that man and my stepmother.”
Ahmed took her to her room, and Mía was amazed by the luxurious surroundings.
“Later, a girl will bring you clothes, shoes, and accessories to choose from.”
“Thank you again, Mr. Ahmed.”
“Ahmed, just Ahmed, please.”This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
Ahmed smiled, and Mía blushed, feeling an inexplicable sensation at the sight of his smile.
“Is something wrong?” Ahmed noticed her unease and blushing.
“It’s nothing, Ahmed.”
“I’ll leave you to rest. It’s been a day full of emotions, and you must be exhausted.”
“That’s true. Thank you.”
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. You can use the intercom to request anything, and they’ll bring it to you right away,” Ahmed said.
This reminded Mía of Carlo’s words when he took her to his house, and Ahmed noticed her displeased expression.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“No, it’s just a bad memory,” Mía replied.
“Later, dinner will be served. I’d be glad if you joined me, but if you’re not feeling up to it, you can ask them to bring dinner to your room. In a while, they’ll bring you some clothes, so you can feel more comfortable.”
“Alright, thank you.”
Ahmed left the room, unable to hide his excitement. He went down to his office to attend to some business matters. When Cambell entered, he greeted him with a sour face.
“Hey, buddy, good to see you’re back.”
“And not thanks to you, bad friend. I arrived at the hangar just as your plane was taking off.”
“Ha. ha, ha, I’m really sorry. Let me tell you what happened. You won’t believe it.”
Ahmed laughed at Cambell’s bitter expression and began telling him everything that happened at the church. Cambell’s expression changed to one of surprise.
“I can’t believe it, buddy. If only you had shown me the images with that girl, your search would have ended much sooner.”
“Shhh, keep your voice down. I don’t want her to find out that I’m the man she spent the night with. It might scare her off, and she might even hate me, not accepting my help. I’ll tell her the truth when I think it’s the right time.”
“Alright, buddy, you know what you’re doing. I’m glad you’re finally attracted to a girl. I was getting worried about you.”
“Enough of that, let’s go to dinner. I don’t think she’ll come down. I assume she’ll have dinner in her room.”
After dinner, they returned to the office for a drink.
“I have something to tell you. Remember the Cuban girl I told you I met that night?”
“What about her?”
“She’s Mía’s best friend.”
“Wow, what a small world.”
“I’ve been seeing her, and she really interests me. She’s very different from the others, not pretentious or materialistic. She’s the happiest and most fun girl I’ve met, and aside from being beautiful, she’s amazing in bed.”
“Ha, ha, ha.”
“What’s so funny?”
“It’s just that you, the biggest playboy in New York, have fallen head over heels for a girl. Who would have thought? I’ve never heard you talk like this about a woman before.”
Cambell’s words made Ahmed realize he was right. He had never been so taken with a woman before.
“That’s enough teasing. Let’s go to bed. Tomorrow is a new day,” Ahmed said, changing the subject.
They both retired for the night, their thoughts consumed by the women who had unexpectedly entered their lives. Both Ahmed and Cambell were drawn to Mía and her best friend, not realizing that their encounters would lead to a series of unexpected and life-changing events.