Beyond the game

Yuzarsif leaned back in his chair, eyes scanning the report on his desk. The financial statements of their Marwana branch showed discrepancies—numbers that didn't add up, delays in shipments, and a sudden drop in revenue. Something was wrong.

He exhaled sharply and rubbed his temple.

Six years had passed, and work was the only thing that kept him sane. He had drowned himself in business, taking over new projects, expanding the company, and making sure there was no moment left for his mind to wander. But even in the busiest hours, one thought never left him.

Azra.

No matter how many cities he traveled to, no matter how much he tried, he never found a single trace of her. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.

But he never gave up.

He never would.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," he said without looking up.

Asna stepped inside, a bright smile on her face. "I heard you're going to Marwana."

Yuzarsif sighed. "Yes. There's an issue with the branch. I need to take care of it personally."

She walked closer, her heels clicking against the floor. "Perfect! I was planning to visit Marwana anyway. Just didn't get the chance before." She smiled sweetly. "So, I'll come with you."

Yuzarsif frowned. "Asna, this is a business trip, not a vacation."

"Oh, come on, Yuzarsif," she pouted playfully. "You've been working too hard. Maybe this is a sign that you should take a small break while handling business."

He clenched his jaw. He didn't like the way she always found excuses to be around him. He had known Asna since childhood, but he had never given her any false hopes. Yet, she acted as if something more existed between them.

"Asna," he said firmly, "I'm not going for fun. It's an urgent matter."

She sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But I'm still coming. Whether with you or on my own."

Yuzarsif stared at her for a moment, then shook his head. "Do whatever you want."

If she wanted to waste her time following him, that was her decision.

He had more important things to focus on.

---

Arriving in Marwana

The flight to Marwana was uneventful. Yuzarsif spent most of the time going through company reports, checking messages, and finalizing his plans for the next few days.

Asna, on the other hand, kept trying to start conversations.

"So, where are we staying?" she asked as she sipped her juice.

"I booked a hotel near the company branch," he replied without looking at her.

"Ohh, nice. I hope it's somewhere fancy," she teased.

Yuzarsif ignored her.

The moment the plane landed in Marwana, he was the first to get off. He had no time for distractions.

As they stepped into the bustling airport, his phone buzzed. It was a message from his assistant, letting him know that a car was already waiting outside.

Asna followed him closely, adjusting her sunglasses. "Wow, it's been so long since I last came here. Marwana hasn't changed much."

Yuzarsif barely listened. His mind was already focused on the company and the problems waiting for him.

But deep down, another thought crept into his mind.

Marwana.

A place he had never searched before.

Could she be here?

No. He had searched everywhere. What were the chances she was hiding in this city?

Yet, for the first time in years, something stirred inside him.

A strange feeling.

Like he was closer to something.

Or someone.

And he had no idea why.

---