she smiled before killing 9
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She tried to change the topic.
"Have you found anything about the person we caught that day?"
"Hmm... he confessed a lot of things."
"So, what's the next plan for this mission?"
"I'll let you know when I need you."
"Okay."
"Umm... should we head back now?"
Iqrash looked at her, his eyes saying far more than his lips ever could.
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Mr. Iqrash, have you noticed the time?"
"Yeah... the time."
He stood up from the table and opened the car door for her. As she settled into the seat, he smirked.
"Come on, ma'am. Weren't you in a hurry?"
She gave him a strange smile, and they drove away.
---
The next morning, everyone was gathered at the base, discussing their next move.
As they reviewed the case, Manal entered the room.
"We have a lead," Iqrash announced.
"What lead?" Manal asked.
Dua replied, "The head of the gang is expected to attend a party at the Prime Minister's residence."
"Again with the Prime Minister?" Irtaza muttered.
Iqrash's gaze shifted toward Manal.
"Why are you looking at me?"
"Isn't Shahmir your friend? Maybe someone from his family is involved."
"Come on, Iqrash. I know we're police officers, and everyone falls under suspicion when it's about duty. But Shahmir? He can't be involved."
"What about his family?"
Manal sighed.
"Fine. We'll check them too."
"So how are we supposed to get inside?" Dua asked.
"Obviously, we can't go as officers."
Iqrash leaned back.
"How about we go as a couple?"
"Yes!" Dua immediately agreed.
But Iqrash shook his head.
"No. Not you."
His eyes moved toward Manal.
"I'm talking about her."
A flash of disappointment crossed Dua's face. She had always harbored feelings for him.
Manal, who had been reading a file, slowly looked up.
"Wait... what? Are you talking about me?"
"Why are you acting surprised?" Iqrash said casually. "We're only pretending to be a couple, not actually becoming one."
Then a teasing grin appeared on his face.
"Unless you want the real thing."
Manal rolled her eyes.
"Bastard."
She walked out of the room.
A weirdly satisfied smile appeared on Iqrash's face.
---
The grand doors opened.
The sound instantly drew everyone's attention.
A breathtaking couple entered the hall, effortlessly becoming the center of attention.
Manal walked gracefully beside Iqrash.
She greeted Waqar Raza, the father of one of her friends.
Waqar Raza raised his glass and smiled.
"You look absolutely stunning tonight."
Then he pointed his glass toward Iqrash.
"And who is this young man?"
Manal smiled naturally.
Their hands were intertwined, and Iqrash stood close enough to make their relationship look convincing.
"Uncle, he's someone I want to marry."
A few steps away, Zaveyaar froze.
He had arrived at the party as well.
"Seriously?" Waqar chuckled. "Well, young lady, your taste in men is excellent."
The compliment made Zaveyaar's jaw tighten.
Sensing it, Iqrash gently wrapped an arm around Manal's waist and pulled her closer.
His touch was subtle yet possessive.
"Of course it is," he said confidently. "After all, she chose me."
His eyes never left hers.
For a brief second, the world around them seemed to disappear.
People around them couldn't stop admiring the pair.
"They look perfect together."
"They really do."
Leaning closer, Iqrash whispered into her ear,
"See? Even they think we look good together."
"Shut up," Manal muttered.
---
A little later, Manal slipped into the inner hall to get a glass of water.
Suddenly, someone grabbed her wrist.
Before she could react, she found herself pressed against the wall.
"Zaveyaar!"
Her eyes widened.
"Are you out of your mind?"
"What is all this?" he demanded. "First Kavish, and now him?"
His grip tightened.
"Can't you stay with one man?"
The accusation hit like a slap.
So she returned it with an actual one.
The sound echoed through the hallway.
Zaveyaar looked away for a moment before turning back to her.
His eyes burned with frustration.
"Why are you acting hurt by what I said? Look at what you've done to me."
He laughed bitterly.
"Didn't you leave me too?"
"Zaveyaar, stop."
"No."
His voice cracked.
"You're doing whatever you want, and I can't even say a word?"
For a moment, countless questions filled Manal's eyes.
How have you been?
Where have you been?
What happened to you?
But she forced those questions back into the depths of her heart.
Her expression turned cold.
"Isn't Mr. Zaveyaar already married?"
He fell silent.
"So what I do and whoever I'm with is none of your concern."
She stepped away from him.
"Now move aside."
Her voice was calm, but sharp enough to cut.
"You lost the right to question me a long time ago."
- Writer
