Beyond the game

The grand banquet hall was alive with conversation and laughter as some of the most promising young business figures in the city gathered for an evening of networking. Deals were made over handshakes, partnerships were discussed over fine wine, and connections were strengthened in an atmosphere of ambition and opportunity.

Jamal adjusted his cufflinks as he entered, his sharp suit complementing his composed demeanor. He had built his company from the ground up, and nights like these were simply part of the job. Yet, tonight, his mind wasn't on business alone.

His thoughts drifted to Azra.

She had been a constant presence in his life—his childhood friend from the orphanage, the one person who had always understood him. Over the years, his admiration had grown into something deeper, something he had yet to fully express. But there was no rush. He had always believed that, given time, Azra would come to see him the same way he saw her.

He glanced around the room, scanning for familiar faces. Instead, his gaze landed on someone unfamiliar.

A woman in an elegant beige dress stood by the bar, engaged in conversation with a group of investors. She carried herself with confidence, her expression sharp yet unreadable. Unlike most attendees, who seemed eager to impress, she had an air of self-assurance that set her apart.

Jamal had no idea who she was, but she intrigued him.

"Jamal!" A voice called out, breaking his thoughts.

He turned to find one of his business partners, Kareem, approaching with a grin. "Good to see you. I was just about to introduce you to someone."

Before Jamal could respond, Kareem gestured toward the woman he had been observing moments ago. "Selina, meet Jamal. Jamal, this is Selina, a key player in her family's business."

Jamal extended a hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

Selina shook his hand, her grip firm. "Likewise. I've heard your name before—seems you're making quite an impact in the industry."

"I do what I can," Jamal said with a small smile.

Kareem excused himself, leaving them alone.

Selina tilted her head slightly. "So, tell me, Jamal, are these gatherings purely business for you, or do you enjoy them?"

"They're necessary," he admitted. "But I wouldn't say I enjoy them."

She smirked. "Same here. Too many people pretending to be something they're not."

Jamal chuckled. "That's the industry."

Selina took a sip of her drink, studying him. "So, what keeps you motivated? What's driving you?"

Jamal hesitated for a moment before answering. "The future, I guess. Building something lasting, something meaningful."

"That's an interesting answer," she mused. "Most people would say money."

"Money is a tool, not a purpose."

Selina nodded approvingly. "I like that."

The conversation flowed effortlessly between them, shifting from business to personal interests, travel, and life outside work. Jamal was surprised by how easy she was to talk to—sharp-minded yet relaxed, ambitious but not arrogant.

As the night wound down, Selina pulled out her phone. "We should continue this conversation sometime. How about coffee?"

Jamal considered her for a moment. "Sure."

They exchanged numbers before parting ways.

As Jamal left the event, he found his thoughts lingering on Selina. It wasn't often that he met someone who made an impression so quickly.

But even as he considered this new connection, another thought stayed at the back of his mind—Azra.

His heart still leaned toward her, believing that someday, she might see him in a different light.

Unaware that she never would.

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