CHAPTER 1

...Iliana, you need to hurry! As the CEO of the most prestigious company in South Asia, you can't afford to be late!" ...

...With urgency, Iliana took off running, her green floral abaya billowing behind her like a flag of freedom. Her breaths came in quick bursts, and her striking blue eyes sparkled with determination. ...

...Her red lips and pale complexion gave her an ethereal quality, enhanced by her modest attire as she rushed toward her assistant's car. Suddenly, as she sprinted, someone accidentally caught her abaya, causing her to stumble and fall. ...

..."Ya Allah! Who is this now?" she exclaimed, looking up in surprise. ...

...A tall, handsome man stood before her, a chuckle escaping his lips. His left arm was adorned with tattoos that peeked out from under his tailored black suit, which hugged his athletic build perfectly. His sharp black eyes held a mysterious allure, while his black jeans added an edge to his captivating appearance. ...

..."Hey! green thing? Can't you see , or are your eyes blinded by your so-called Allah?" Eiden laughed mockingly, moving as if to crush her abaya beneath his foot. ...

..."Astagfirullah! You were in the wrong, sir! Apologize right now, and don't you dare speak about my Lord that way!" Iliana shot back, rising to her feet with determination, her eyes reflecting a fierce disappointment at his behavior. ...

...As she adjusted her clothes, Eiden's smirk returned, and he seemed ready to push her aside forcefully. But in a swift motion, Iliana kicked him sharply in the stomach, sending him stumbling back. With her head held high, she walked confidently towards her assistant's car, exuding an air of regal authority as she left him behind. ...

..."Huh, Mr. if it weren't for the patience Allah has given me, I would have punched you three times already," Iliana said, rolling her eyes. "Asma, start the car right now!" she commanded. ...

...Eiden remained on the ground, bewildered by what had just transpired. He muttered a curse under his breath, realizing he was supposed to be in a meeting but now needed to change his clothes first. "Green chameleon," he grumbled. ...

...Eiden rushed back to his apartment, eager to freshen up before heading out. He swiftly changed into a sleek navy blue shirt, rolling up the sleeves for a more casual look, and paired it with white jeans. The outfit not only highlighted his style but also gave him a sense of confidence as he prepared for the meeting ...

...In the car, Asma asked, "Ms. Iliana, who was that man?" ...

..."Allah knows best. Just drive fast; we're going to be late!" Iliana replied. ...

..."Okay, ma'am," Asma responded, quickly accelerating. ...

...Iliana stepped into the meeting hall, where the CEOs of all the renowned South Asian companies were gathered. To her astonishment, she spotted Eiden among them, and her gaze immediately fell on him. ...

...Iliana raised an eyebrow, a playful smile creeping onto her face. "Is that so, Eiden? I didn't expect you to be so eager after our little encounter earlier." ...

...Eiden chuckled, "Let's just say, business is business. Besides, who wouldn't want to work with someone as impressive as you?" ...

..."Flattery won't get you far, but I appreciate the compliment," Iliana replied, a spark of challenge in her eyes. "Let's see if you can keep up with me in this collaboration." ...

...As the meeting wrapped up, Iliana made her way towards her car, but Eiden swiftly grabbed her hand to stop her. "Astagfirullah, are you in your right mind?" she exclaimed, pulling away. "Let go of my hand, you Archaeopteryx! You can't just touch Muslim women like that!" ...

...Eiden smirked, unfazed. "Forget about your principles for a moment and tell me when we'll kick off our project." ...

...He leaned in closer, a playful glint in his eye, while Iliana stepped on his foot, causing him to wince. "Ouch, ouch!" he yelped. ...

..."Behave yourself, Mr. Archaeopteryx" she retorted, a mixture of annoyance and amusement dancing in her eyes. The playful tension between them crackled in the air as they stood their ground. ...

..."Did you just call me Archaeopteryx? You green chameleon!" Eiden's face twisted in surprise when he received a call and hurriedly walked away. Iliana couldn't help but laugh, exclaiming, "Did he really just call me a green chameleon? La hawla wala quwatta! I really hope I don't end up losing my cool with him one day. Forgive me, ya rab, but this guy is really testing my patience! ...

...Time skip. ...

...As Iliana stepped into her home, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She quickly took a warm bath, washing away the day's stress, and slipped into her cozy clothes that wrapped her in comfort. Standing in front of the mirror, she began drying her golden-brown hair, which glistened like spun gold under the soft light, casting an almost magical aura around her. ...

...Once she felt refreshed, she turned her focus to her evening prayers, knowing it was time for Isha. Kneeling on her prayer mat, she whispered, "Ya Rab, I'm just your sinner servant. Please, never abandon me, my dear Rab. Since my parents left this world and returned to You two years ago, the absence has felt like a heavy weight on my heart. Life without them is so harsh." ...

...Her voice trembled as she continued, "My Rab, grant me the strength to carry on. Ya Rab, please protect me from falling into haram and guard me against those who think ill of me." ...

...As she bowed in sujood, tears streamed down Iliana's lovely cheeks, each drop a release of her pent-up emotions. In that moment of vulnerability, she let her heart cry out, seeking solace and connection with her Creator, feeling both the pain of loss and the hope for guidance....

...Once she felt refreshed, she turned her focus to her evening prayers, knowing it was time for Isha. Kneeling on her prayer mat, she whispered, "Ya Rab, I'm just your sinner servant. Please, never abandon me, my dear Rab. Since my parents left this world and returned to You two years ago, the absence has felt like a heavy weight on my heart. Life without them is so harsh." ...

...Her voice trembled as she continued, "My Rab, grant me the strength to carry on. Ya Rab, please protect me from falling into haram and guard me against those who think ill of me." ...

...As she bowed in sujood, tears streamed down Iliana's lovely cheeks, each drop a release of her pent-up emotions. In that moment of vulnerability, she let her heart cry out, seeking solace and connection with her Creator, feeling both the pain of loss and the hope for guidance....

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