“Oh Allah, calm my heartbeat when I meet him. Please don’t let me act strangely in front of him.”
She often whispered that prayer during prostration.
Elsewhere, Zaidan was on a video call with Fathan. From the other end came the sounds of a food processor and a frying pan. Fathan’s cooking always had a distinctive aroma, even through a screen.
“You’re serious about me running two companies? That’s insane. Running just one CEO position has already burned me out.”
Zaidan leaned back in his chair, a faint smile on his face. “Then what am I supposed to do, Bro? I’ve already got both of them up and running.”
Fathan arranged the food on a plate. His movements were quick and practiced, just like a chef’s. “Then just pick one. You only live once. Don’t sacrifice your sleep and meals.”
“I’ll see a doctor later,” Zaidan replied casually.
Fathan immediately laughed. His laugh was bright and crisp. “Ha! I’m trying to give you advice, and you’re turning it into a joke.”
“You cut me off before I’d even finished the story.”
“Fine, then. Go on.”
Zaidan told him everything: how he had majored in Computer Science because he loved playing video games, and how he had founded a startup with Hyunwoo Baek, his Korean-Australian college friend.
When he finished, Fathan nodded. “So your startup with Hyunwoo is still going strong, and you’re focusing on Grandpa Ziyad’s business.”
“Yeah, Bro. Hyunwoo handles the technical side. I’m in charge of management.”
“No wonder you’re loaded. But share some of that wealth with Grandpa’s boarding school.”
“That’s the plan, Bro. I also want to build a house in Grandma Lila’s village. I can’t keep freeloading there forever. Grandma’s house is small.”
Fathan fell silent. His gaze softened. “Are you still disappointed because you were rejected back then?”
“Of course not, Bro. I swear to Allah. I just feel comfortable in the village. I can look after Grandma. Grandpa’s busy, and Uncle is often overseas.”
“The celebrity uncle?”
“Yeah. Ever since he had a child, his jobs have only piled up.”
“Alhamdulillah. Fine, then—build a house for me too, okay?”
“Sure thing, Bro. Go put down the down payment first.”
They both laughed. They weren’t related by blood, but their brotherhood had grown that close.
That meeting had once again woven their fates together.
There would be a celebration at the restaurant owned by Abi Khair, which had now been entrusted to Fathan. A couple wanted to celebrate their wedding anniversary there, because it was where the universe had first brought their paths together.
Joyfully, they decorated the place after receiving Fathan’s blessing. Lavish dishes were ordered, along with cakes decorated with adorable designs. It was truly a harmonious little family. Their two children ran around happily, dancing amid the joy of the simple celebration. From a distance, Fathan watched, then smiled gently when the couple gave him a thumbs-up, praising the flavor of his cooking.
The time came to present a bouquet of flowers to the woman, the mother of those little angels. Zahwa walked forward gracefully and placed the beautiful flowers in her client’s hands.
Hey... That’s the girl who almost got pickpocketed, Fathan thought.
Before he realized it, his gaze had become fixed on her. There was a charm in Zahwa that made Fathan’s heart tremble. He leaned against a corner of the room, arms folded across his chest, but his eyes could not pull away from Zahwa.
Being watched like that made Zahwa uncomfortable. That was exactly how she felt. Her gaze swept across the room until it finally collided with Fathan’s.
Zahwa’s steps carried her closer, but Fathan quickly turned his face away and left. The Creator’s work was beautiful, and Fathan didn’t want his heart ensnared any more deeply.
“Hey, why is he leaving?” Zahwa muttered. Her task was finished, so she took her leave of the restaurant.
From where he had been standing, Fathan continued stealing glances at her until Zaidan’s voice broke into his reverie.
“Bro! What are you staring at?!”
“Ah! How long have you been here?”
“I came to eat. It’s already late afternoon, and I haven’t eaten yet,” Zaidan replied.
Without realizing it, Fathan’s feet carried him to the front porch, following Zahwa as she left. Zaidan followed him, curious about what had captured his brother’s attention.