~The lily of the Valley~

Chapter 14: A Chance Encounter

Ayzal returned from the parlour, her dark pink dress shimmering in the evening light. She made her way to the backyard, where the function was in full swing. As she sat down at a table, her eyes scanned the crowd for Aliyan, but he was nowhere to be found.

Just then, a girl with a big smile and a chatterbox personality approached her. "You look so pretty and beautiful in that dress! It never matches my color, only black looks good on me, I'm sure it would look great on you too." Ayzal looked at her quizzically, "Do I know you?"

The girl introduced herself as Hania, a 22-year-old extrovert who didn't mind talking a lot. she was a year older than Ayzal but Ayzal found herself enjoying Hania's company, and they ended up clicking photos, talking, and gossiping. Ayzal refrained from sharing her uncle's secrets, thinking it was not the right time.

As they chatted, Ayzal's aunt called her, reminding her to change into heels. Ayzal headed inside, meeting Aliyan's dad on the way. He directed her to his wife's room, near the stairs, where she found the heels. As she turned to leave, she locked eyes with Aliyan, the connection lasting for two seconds before Zaviyar interrupted, "You look good, not that good, but okay."

Ayzal glared at Zaviyar and smiled at Aliyan before leaving the room. She struggled to put on the heels, as her suit was too big, and she couldn't sit on the stairs. Just then, Aliyan appeared, sat down beside her, and started strapping her heels. Their eyes met, and Ayzal's heart skipped a beat. She knew she was in love.

As Aliyan finished, he said, "It's done, you can call me if you need help." Ayzal smiled, her eyes locked on his, and whispered, "Thank you." Her aunt called her again, and she left, her heart racing.

Aliyan's heart pounded faster, his breathing labored. Zaviyar appeared out of nowhere, singing, "Maybe I just wanna be yours." Aliyan kicked him, "Don't talk rubbish!" But his mind was on Ayzal, her eyes, her smile, and her love. The flower of the valley bloomed in his heart, its fragrance filling him with joy and longing.