Beyond the game

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Azra finished her shift at the supermarket, stretching her stiff muscles as she stepped outside. The evening breeze was refreshing, brushing against her skin as she checked her phone. Rahma had sent a message, reminding her about their plan to visit the orphanage the next day. She smiled slightly before tucking the phone into her bag and making her way down the street.

Her thoughts were occupied with her studies and work, but lately, a certain someone kept creeping into her mind more than she would like to admit. Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought and continued walking.

Just as she reached the intersection, a sleek black car pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Yuzarsif behind the wheel, his sharp gaze fixed on her.

"Azra," he greeted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Need a ride?"

She barely spared him a glance. "No, thank you. I'm fine walking."

"At least let me drop you off halfway," he insisted. "It's getting late."

Azra exhaled, contemplating for a second. Accepting a ride wouldn't mean anything, but she also didn't want to give the wrong impression.

"I'm really fine," she said firmly. "I prefer walking."

Yuzarsif chuckled, clearly not used to rejection but also not discouraged. "You're really something else, Azra. Most people would take the offer without a second thought."

"I'm not most people."

His eyes gleamed with amusement. "That's exactly what makes you interesting."

She didn't respond and turned away, continuing her walk. Yuzarsif didn't press further but watched her disappear down the street before driving off.

At Home

Azra arrived at her apartment, pushing the door open to find Rahma sprawled on the couch, flipping through a magazine.

"You're back late," Rahma commented without looking up.

"Work," Azra replied, setting her bag aside.

Rahma sat up, eyeing her curiously. "Did you run into anyone interesting today?"

Azra hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "Just a normal day."

Rahma narrowed her eyes. "You're a terrible liar."

Azra sighed and walked into the kitchen, pulling out a glass of water. "I saw Yuzarsif again. He offered me a ride, but I declined."

Rahma gasped dramatically. "Girl, you rejected a billionaire's ride? What's wrong with you?"

Azra gave her a dry look. "And?"

"And?! Do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position?"

"Let them have it," Azra muttered.

Rahma shook her head in disbelief but let it go. "Anyway, we're visiting the orphanage tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah," Azra confirmed. "I promised the kids I'd spend time with them."

"Good. I'll make sure we get there early."

Yuzarsif's Office

Meanwhile, Yuzarsif sat in his office, flipping through some documents when his secretary entered.

"Sir, Miss Selina is here to see you."

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Send her in."

Moments later, Selina walked in confidently, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She was dressed elegantly, her expression unreadable.

"You've been avoiding me," she stated, crossing her arms.

"Busy," Yuzarsif responded without much interest.

Selina sat down across from him, studying him closely. "Busy chasing after some girl, you mean?"

He raised an eyebrow. "And if I am?"

Selina scoffed. "I don't get it. You have everything—money, status, women throwing themselves at you. Why waste time on someone who clearly doesn't care?"

Yuzarsif leaned back in his chair, smirking. "That's exactly why she's worth my time."

Selina rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable. You're actually serious about this one?"

He didn't answer, but his silence was enough.

Selina exhaled, shaking her head. "Well, don't expect me to support this. That girl isn't for you, Yuzarsif. You'll see that soon enough."

She stood up, giving him one last glance before leaving.

Yuzarsif watched her go, unfazed. His mind was elsewhere—on a certain girl who had no idea just how deeply she had started affecting him.

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