2.

Kiraya decided to sneak out to Cafe Bliss alone, despite Ali's strong objections.

Inside the cozy cafe, a hooded figure awaited her.

"The Shadow" pushed back its hood, revealing...

**Kiraya's own cousin, Sofia - Salma's niece!**

Sofia handed Kiraya a folder filled with documents:

- Proof of Hassan's illegal dealings

- Records of Khalid Khan's revenge plans

- A shocking family secret: **Kiraya was actually Khalid Khan's biological daughter**

Kiraya's world collapsed. Ali burst into the cafe, eyes blazing with fury and fear for Kiraya.

"Sofia, what have you done?" Ali growled.

Kiraya turned to him, voice barely audible:

"Ali... am I your sister?"

Kiraya's question hung in the air like a death sentence. Ali's face contorted in anguish.

"No, Kiraya... the documents say you're my father's daughter, but born to his brother's wife - your mother, Salma, was already married to my uncle, Hassan!"

Sofia nodded confirmation. Kiraya felt like she'd been punched repeatedly.

Ali grabbed her hands, his eyes burning with emotion:

"My feelings for you aren't brotherly, Kiraya. They never were."

**Day 8:**

Kiraya's mind reeled as Ali's words sank in. She felt torn between horror and curiosity about her feelings for him.

Sofia intervened, "Kiraya, listen - your father, Khalid Khan, wants to protect you from Hassan's enemies. He's been waiting for you to turn 22 to reveal the truth."

Kiraya calculated - her birthday was last month...

"Why reveal it now, and through you, Sofia?" Kiraya asked suspiciously.

Sofia glanced nervously at Ali before answering Kiraya:

"Because, Kiraya... Khalid Khan has a plan to merge families officially - by arranging your marriage to Ali!"

Kiraya's eyes widened in shock as Ali's face turned white with a mix of horror and secret delight.

He grasped her hand tighter, his voice low and urgent:

"Kiraya, I want to marry you - but not because our fathers command it. Tell me... do you feel anything for me?"

Kiraya's heart raced as she searched Ali's intense gaze. Her mind whirled with emotions:

- Shock at the marriage arrangement

- Curiosity about her feelings for Ali

- Fear of betraying her family's trust (or what was left of it)

She swallowed hard before whispering:

"Ali... I've always considered you my best friend, but lately... I've felt something more."

Ali's face illuminated with hope. He gently pulled her closer:

"Something more could become everything, Kiraya. Do you want to explore this with me - secretly, until we decide what to do about our families?"

Kiraya nodded yes, her heart skipping beats as Ali's lips brushed against her forehead, then trailed down to her cheek.

Sofia smiled discreetly and exited the cafe, leaving them alone.

As they sat together, hands entwined, Kiraya realized:

- She had feelings for Ali beyond friendship

- Their families' secrets and lies had brought them closer

- The arranged marriage might not be unwanted after all

Ali leaned in, voice low and husky:

"Kiraya, may I have my first real kiss from you?"

Kiraya's lips parted softly as Ali's mouth met hers. Time froze.

The kiss deepened, and Kiraya felt her world tilt – she was falling for her cousin-turned-proposed-husband.

Just as they broke apart for air, Kiraya's phone buzzed again:

A text from her mother, Salma:

"Kiraya, meet me urgently. Your father, Hassan, knows about Khalid's plan..."

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