Forced to Marry my Enemy

Episode 4: zain's child

Alina went to the hospital because X told her to.

"Ria is in hospital." The text glowed on her screen. No name. No reason. Just bait.

She shouldn’t have gone. After Zain kissed her, slapped Sarah, then left with Sarah— she should’ve blocked X and slept for a week.

But Ria. Zain’s childhood friend. The girl from the photo in his car.

Alina had to know.

Keet General reeked of antiseptic and secrets. Room 307. Alina pushed the door open.

Ria was in the bed. Pale. Pretty. A hand resting on her stomach.

And smiling when she saw Alina. “Took you long enough.”

The air left Alina’s lungs. Hurt, sharp and clean, cut through her chest. This was a trap. “What do you want?”

“To watch your face when I say it.” Ria sat up. “I’m pregnant.”

The room tilted.

“Zain’s baby,” Ria added softly. “Eight weeks.”

No. No no no.

Alina backed into the door. Eight weeks ago Zain was in London. With her. Arguing in the library. Stealing her notes. Glaring at her from across the lecture hall. Not with Ria.

“You’re lying,” Alina said. Her voice didn’t sound like hers.

Ria laughed. “Am I? Ask him. I told Zain last night. After he left you.”

Last night. After the party. After the lip-bite kiss. After he told Alina “you are mine” and walked out with Sarah.

He went to Ria.

Alina turned to run. The door opened first.

Zain.

He stopped dead when he saw both of them. His eyes went to Ria’s stomach. Then to Alina’s face.

“Get out,” he told Alina.

Not gentle. Not explaining. Rude. Arrogant. Cold.

“Zain, I—”

“Out.”

Alina ran.

She made it to the stairwell before the tears came. Hot, angry, stupid tears. Eight weeks. He had a girlfriend _and_ a pregnant friend. God, she was an i***t.

“Stop crying.”

She spun. Ria, IV stand rolling, stood behind her. No weakness now. Just venom.

“You think he wants you?” Ria stepped closer. “You’re a toy. A topper he likes to fight with. I’m his future. I’ve known him since we were six. I’m carrying his heir.”

Alina wiped her face. “Then Why not let me go?”

“Because you keep looking at what’s mine.” Ria shoved her. Hard. Alina’s back hit the wall. “Stay away from him. From his house. From his bed. Or I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Footsteps. Zain.

He took one look at Ria’s hand on Alina’s shoulder and his face went dark.

“Did I not make myself clear?” His voice was low. Dangerous. He grabbed Ria’s wrist and yanked her off Alina. “Touch her again and I’ll break it.”

Ria gasped. “Zain, she—”

“I don’t care.” He let go like she burned him. “You told me you’re pregnant. Congratulations. Now get a paternity test.”

Ria went white. “What?”

“You heard me.” Zain didn’t look at Alina. Not once. “Because that child isn’t mine. I haven’t touched you in a year, Ria. And I keep records.”

The stairwell went silent.

Alina stared. Ria’s face crumpled. The lie hung between them, shattered.

Zain finally looked at Alina. His eyes were tired. Angry. Sorry.

“Go home,” he told her.

Then he walked past both of them, down the stairs, without looking back.

Alina stood there, heart still broken, but for a different reason now.

Ria’s child wasn’t Zain’s.

But Ria still wanted him.

And she’d destroy Alina to get him.