Chapter 1- The night
Xhani's POV
“Xhani, can we please continue this tomorrow? We’re too tired to focus,” Laila, my assistant, asks, her eyes heavy with exhaustion.
I glance around at my team, all of them slumped in their seats, their heads bobbing like they’re in a daze from the mountain of work we’ve been tackling all day. I can’t help but laugh at the sight. We’ve all been running on empty for far too long.
“Okay, but make sure you’re all back here first thing tomorrow morning,” I say, my eyes narrowing as I make sure each of them knows how serious I am. I’m not about to let things slide now, not when we’re on the verge of launching a new branch of the gym—a location that will make our facilities even more accessible to the community.
It’s been a long road since I first graduated high school. My entire life has been dedicated to the gym, pushing myself to build something extraordinary. Today, I can proudly say that I’m ranked fifth among the best gyms in the state. I’ve made it far, but I know it wouldn’t have been possible without my team, my friends—without their support.
The first year of Xhani’s Fitness Fusion had been a breakthrough. The gym grew, and it wasn’t just about physical strength anymore. I wanted this place to be a sanctuary where people could work on their minds and their emotions just as much as their bodies. It was all about holistic health.
But the truth is, the journey wasn’t always easy. After school ended, I fell into a deep depression. Losing Armani was the catalyst. I thought I’d wanted him gone, but his absence left a hollow space inside me—a space I still don’t know how to fill.
Thank God for Zoe and Ziya. They were my lifeline during that dark period. They never left my side, reminding me of my worth and pushing me to keep going, no matter how hard it got. But it’s at night that the loneliness creeps in, when I’m alone with my thoughts.
I haven’t heard from Zain, and frankly, I don’t want to. Not after I found out he was the one who made that deal with Armani’s stepmother—exposing my past. It was a betrayal that cut deep, and I only found out from Ares, Armani’s little brother. But by then, the damage was already done.
Ares and I have grown close since then. He’s the brother I never had, and I’m like the older sister who teases him back. Ever since Armani left to make a name for himself, Ares has been lonely too. We’ve got our own little bond now, one that helps keep me grounded.
Standing in my office, I look out over the city through the massive glass windows. The lights of the city are beautiful, vibrant—but they do little to soothe the storm brewing in my heart.
My phone buzzes, pulling me out of my thoughts. I walk over to my desk and glance at the screen, a smile spreading across my face when I see Ares’ name.
Ares - “So, tonight I want you to be my wing lady. I need the girl.”
I can’t help but laugh. Ares has been trying to get Zoe’s attention for a while now. He’s been working overtime to get her to notice him, but Zoe? She’s playing hard to get. And since I’m the one they both love, Ares has made it a habit to drag me along as his wing woman to set him up on dates with Zoe.
Me - “What are you planning?” I reply quickly, and within seconds, his response pops up.
Ares - “I plan on making Zoo the mother of my kids.”
I burst out laughing. Ares has been chasing after Zoe for so long, and the way he’s gone about it—calling her “Zoo” as if that’ll make her fall for him faster—hasn’t exactly helped his case.
Me - “Okay, sounds great. Can’t wait to become an aunty,” I reply, laughing at my own message.
Ares - “Please bring her to the club tonight.”
I can’t stop laughing at his desperation. I reply with a simple “Okay,” shaking my head.
Looking at the clock, I realize it’s already past 7:30 pm. Time to head home and drag Zoe along with me. We’re going clubbing tonight—whether she likes it or not.
---
Thirty minutes later, I arrive home. Just as I’m about to step inside my apartment, I hear laughter coming from the living room. It’s unmistakable—it’s Ziya and Zoe.
Walking inside, I see them toasting to something. Clearing my throat, I let them know I’ve arrived.
“Hi, girls,” I say, a smile tugging at my lips.
“Omg, finally you’re back!” Ziya exclaims, running over to throw her arms around my neck.
“Yeah, I’m back,” I laugh, hugging her tightly.
Zoe walks over and hands me a glass of champagne. “What are we toasting to?” I ask, intrigued.
“Well, our beautiful girl here is getting married,” Zoe says, her voice filled with excitement. “She and Nick have finally decided on a wedding date.”
I feel my heart swell with happiness. Ziya, my best friend, is getting married. The thought brings tears to my eyes. She’s been through so much, and now, she’s found her happiness.
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her in for a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
We pull back, both of us wiping away tears. “You’re going to be the most beautiful bride, Ziya,” I say, and she does the same for me.
“Well, don’t cry, or else I’m going to cry too,” Zoe says, trying to lighten the mood. We all laugh, then raise our glasses in a toast to Ziya.
“Well, this calls for a real celebration!” I announce.
“What do you have in mind?” Zoe asks, her eyebrow raised in playful suspicion.
I smirk. “Clubbing.”
The second the word leaves my mouth, both Ziya and Zoe stare at me, wide-eyed, jaws nearly dropping.
“Did you say club?” Ziya asks, looking at Zoe in disbelief.
I roll my eyes at their dramatic reaction. I haven’t been to a club since prom night, the last time I wore a dress and actually put on makeup. But since then, I’ve changed. I’ve become more reserved, more focused on my gym, on my growth. And I’ve built this wall around myself, refusing to let anyone in who could hurt me again.
“Okay, who are you, and what have you done with our best friend?” Ziya says, hands on her hips.
Rolling my eyes again, I make my way toward my room. “This is your last chance. Either get ready, or we can stand here and figure out where your best friend went.”
As I strip out of my clothes and close the door behind me, I can’t help but think about how different I’ve become. I’ve worked so hard for this body. I’ve pushed myself, built this strength, this confidence. But as I stand before the mirror, I can’t shake the memory of Armani. The way he looked at me, the way he made me feel the night we were together. That’s the only time I’ve ever truly felt pleasure since then.
I run my hands down my body, my thoughts drifting back to him. But before I can go any further, I hear Ziya and Zoe singing just outside the bathroom.
I close my eyes, cursing myself. “Why are you still obsessed with him?” I whisper to myself, before stepping into the shower and turning on the cold water, hoping to wash away the memories.
But deep down, I know... the pull of Armani is still there. And maybe, just maybe, it always will be.
