Home / Romance / WHY ME / Chapter 160

Share

Chapter 160

Author: ONYINYE
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-22 23:48:18

**A New Beginning**

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting golden hues across the quiet countryside. Ayesha stood at the edge of the small lake, watching the gentle ripples on the surface as a soft breeze played with her hair. It was peaceful—something she had almost forgotten how to enjoy.

For the first time in years, there were no threats, no enemies, no fear. Just stillness.

Footsteps crunched on the gravel behind her. She didn’t need to turn around to know it was Adrian. She could recognize his presence anywhere.

“You’re up early,” he murmured, stopping beside her.

Ayesha smiled faintly. “Couldn’t sleep.”

Adrian smirked. “Old habits?”

She let out a soft chuckle. “Something like that.”

Silence stretched between them, comfortable and unspoken. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind—clearing up loose ends, ensuring Samar and his men faced justice, and finally, walking away from the life that had kept them trapped for so long.

Now, they were here.

A small, hidden retreat Adrian
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • WHY ME   Chapter 1

    ** The Weight of Expectations**The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the small, bustling street outside Ayesha’s family home. The distant sound of vendors calling out their wares mixed with the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith’s hammer somewhere down the lane. Ayesha sat by the open window of her room, her journal perched on her lap, her pen hovering hesitantly above the page. The breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine from the garden below, a fleeting reminder of the small freedoms she still had.But not for long.“Ayesha!” her mother’s voice called sharply from downstairs. “What are you doing up there? The guests will be here any moment. Come help me prepare!”Ayesha sighed, closing the journal and tucking it into her drawer. She smoothed the folds of her pale green kurta, taking a moment to steel herself. Today was not just any day—it was the day. The day her family would finalize her future, as if it were a business transaction, as if her dreams and desires were mere t

    Last Updated : 2024-12-10
  • WHY ME   Chapter 2

    **A Silent Engagement**The days following Arman’s visit were a whirlwind of activity in Ayesha’s home. Her mother was relentless in her enthusiasm, bustling about the house with an energy Ayesha rarely saw. Trays of sweets were ordered, new fabrics for clothes arrived, and endless relatives came and went, their chatter filling every corner of the home.But amidst the excitement, Ayesha felt as though she were disappearing.The date of the engagement was set for the following weekend. Her protests, spoken softly to her mother in the dead of night, were met with stern disapproval. “This is a blessing, Ayesha,” her mother insisted, her voice trembling with emotion. “You’ll have everything you could ever want. A husband who is successful, a family that is respected... Don’t ruin this for us.”Her father’s response was colder. “What do you want, Ayesha? To shame us in front of the entire community?”There was no space for further argument. Ayesha swallowed her words, retreating to her roo

    Last Updated : 2024-12-10
  • WHY ME   Chapter 3

    **The New Beginning**A week after the engagement, the preparations for Ayesha’s wedding were in full swing. The house was a hive of activity, with relatives coming and going, the hum of sewing machines stitching bridal outfits, and endless phone calls coordinating everything from caterers to florists.For Ayesha, it was a surreal experience. While her family seemed to revel in the chaos, she felt like a passenger in her own life, watching helplessly as it sped toward a destination she hadn’t chosen. The only reprieve she found was in the quiet moments she managed to steal away in her room, where she could write or simply sit in silence.The wedding date loomed closer, and the reality of her new life began to sink in. Soon, she would leave the only home she had ever known and step into a world where she was uncertain of her place.The bridal studio was a luxurious affair, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and soft golden lighting that cast an ethereal glow over the elaborate lehengas on d

    Last Updated : 2024-12-11
  • WHY ME   Chapter 4

    **The Cold Reality**The first morning in her new home was a quiet but disorienting affair for Ayesha. She woke early, her body still accustomed to the sounds of her family’s bustling household. Here, the silence was almost deafening. Rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating the elegant furniture that surrounded her.For a moment, she allowed herself to forget where she was. But the weight of the gold engagement ring on her finger and the neatly folded red bridal lehenga on a chair nearby reminded her: this was her life now.A soft knock at the door startled her. Before she could answer, it opened slightly, revealing an older woman dressed in a simple sari.“Good morning, Bhabhi-ji,” the woman said softly, her eyes avoiding Ayesha’s. “I’m Rupa. I’ll be helping you with your meals and things. Breakfast is ready downstairs.”“Thank you,” Ayesha replied, her voice hoarse from lack of sleep.The woman nodded quickly and disappeared down the hall. The dining room was j

    Last Updated : 2024-12-11
  • WHY ME   Chapter 5

    **The Shattered Facade**Ayesha woke early, the soft morning light filtering through the heavy curtains of her room. Her first few weeks in Arman’s household had been a whirlwind of routine, criticism, and quiet rebellion. She had started to find small victories, like organizing the staff more efficiently or handling household finances better than Priya had anticipated.But each step forward felt precarious, as though she were walking on a tightrope. Priya’s disapproval still lingered, and Arman’s continued emotional distance made it hard to feel like she truly belonged.She sighed and pulled on her dupatta before stepping out of her room, determined to face another day.The morning passed uneventfully until a commotion near the front door caught Ayesha’s attention. She moved toward the source of the noise, finding Priya speaking in hushed, urgent tones to an unfamiliar woman.The woman was elegantly dressed, her makeup flawless, and her expression calm but firm. There was something a

    Last Updated : 2024-12-21
  • WHY ME   Chapter 6

    **Seeds of Transformation**The weeks following Natasha’s departure marked the beginning of a slow transformation in Ayesha’s life. While the shadows of distrust and unresolved emotions still lingered, a tentative sense of balance began to emerge in the household. Arman’s efforts to bridge the gap between them were halting but genuine, and Ayesha found herself cautiously hopeful.But with hope came new challenges. The dynamics within the family, particularly with Priya, continued to test Ayesha’s resilience. It was a game of subtle power plays and unspoken expectations, and Ayesha knew she couldn’t afford to falter.One crisp morning, Priya summoned Ayesha to the study. The air was heavy with formality, and Ayesha braced herself for yet another lecture about her responsibilities.“Sit,” Priya said, gesturing to the chair opposite her.Ayesha obeyed, her hands clasped in her lap.Priya slid a stack of papers across the desk. “These are documents for the renovation of the guesthouse. I’

    Last Updated : 2024-12-21
  • WHY ME   Chapter 7

    **Unveiling the Past**The following weeks brought a tentative sense of normalcy to Ayesha’s life. The guesthouse renovation was behind her, and her relationship with Arman had started to evolve. He began including her in conversations, sharing stories about his work, and even laughing at her occasional sarcastic remarks. While they were far from being a traditional couple, they were moving toward something that felt real—something that felt like partnership.But the calm was deceptive, and Ayesha was about to face a revelation that would shatter everything she thought she knew about her marriage.One quiet afternoon, Ayesha was organizing the desk in Arman’s study, a task Priya had handed her without much thought. As she sifted through papers and files, her fingers brushed against a worn, yellowed envelope tucked between two thick binders.Curiosity got the better of her, and she pulled it out. The envelope had no name, just a faint smudge of ink across its front. With trembling hand

    Last Updated : 2024-12-22
  • WHY ME   Chapter

    ** Rebuilding Trust**Returning to the Shah household felt different for Ayesha this time. Her steps were more confident, her resolve stronger. She wasn’t just a daughter-in-law or a wife anymore—she was a woman who had found her voice. But even with her newfound strength, she knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges.The morning after Ayesha’s return, she called for a family meeting. Priya, Arman, and even the staff were surprised by her assertiveness, but Ayesha didn’t waver.“From now on, things will change,” she began, her tone firm but calm. “This house has rules and expectations for everyone, and I understand that. But I have expectations too.”Priya’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And what expectations would those be?”“Respect,” Ayesha replied, meeting her mother-in-law’s gaze. “I will not be treated as an outsider anymore. If I’m to be part of this family, then I deserve to have a say in my own life.”Arman nodded, a flicker of pride crossing his face. “I agree. It’s t

    Last Updated : 2024-12-22

Latest chapter

  • WHY ME   Chapter 160

    **A New Beginning**The sun was just beginning to rise, casting golden hues across the quiet countryside. Ayesha stood at the edge of the small lake, watching the gentle ripples on the surface as a soft breeze played with her hair. It was peaceful—something she had almost forgotten how to enjoy.For the first time in years, there were no threats, no enemies, no fear. Just stillness.Footsteps crunched on the gravel behind her. She didn’t need to turn around to know it was Adrian. She could recognize his presence anywhere.“You’re up early,” he murmured, stopping beside her.Ayesha smiled faintly. “Couldn’t sleep.”Adrian smirked. “Old habits?”She let out a soft chuckle. “Something like that.”Silence stretched between them, comfortable and unspoken. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind—clearing up loose ends, ensuring Samar and his men faced justice, and finally, walking away from the life that had kept them trapped for so long.Now, they were here.A small, hidden retreat Adrian

  • WHY ME   Chapter 159

    ** The Final Gambit**The warehouse fell into a tense silence, broken only by the distant hum of flickering lights. Ayesha stood her ground, her fingers steady on the trigger as she faced Samar, the man she had once trusted and the one she now had to destroy.Adrian moved beside her, his weapon trained on the armed figures lurking in the shadows. Neera took a defensive stance behind them, her sharp eyes scanning for an opening. They were surrounded, outnumbered, and yet, Ayesha knew one thing—she wasn’t afraid.Samar’s lips curled into a smirk. “You always had a knack for survival, Ayesha. But even you can’t escape this.”Ayesha exhaled slowly, forcing her heartbeat to steady. “I don’t need to escape. I came here to end you.”Samar chuckled, his voice a deep rumble. “Bold. But reckless. You were always impulsive—that was your greatest weakness.” He gestured to the men surrounding them. “Tell me, how do you plan to get out of this alive?”Ayesha didn’t hesitate. “By making sure you don

  • WHY ME   Chapter 158

    ** Shadows of the Past**The air inside the safe house was thick with tension. The dim glow of a single bulb flickered against the cracked walls, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch toward Ayesha as she paced back and forth.Neera sat at the edge of a worn-out couch, her fingers drumming restlessly against her knee. Across the room, Adrian stood near the boarded-up window, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. They had made it here in one piece, but the battle was far from over.Ayesha exhaled sharply. “We need a plan.”Adrian nodded. “And fast. Kier Malik won’t wait for us to strike first.”Neera glanced between them, hesitation in her eyes. “There’s something you both need to know.”Ayesha stilled, narrowing her gaze. “What is it?”Neera swallowed hard. “Reva... She’s not working alone. There’s someone else—someone powerful—pulling the strings behind the scenes.”Silence hung in the air like a suffocating fog.Adrian’s jaw tightened. “Who?”Neera hesitated before whisperi

  • WHY ME   Chapter 157

    ** The Price of Peace**The tension in the room thickened as Ayesha listened intently to the details over the radio. The quiet hum of the safe house seemed to grow louder, amplifying the urgency in the air. Neera sat across from her, her eyes narrowing in frustration, while Adrian remained stoically quiet, his gaze fixed on Ayesha.Khan's voice crackled through the static once again. "We’ve confirmed multiple mercenary groups are mobilizing. They’re targeting you, Ayesha, and Adrian. They’ve been given specific instructions—no prisoners, no mercy."Ayesha’s chest tightened, but she fought to keep her composure. "How long before they reach us?" she asked, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides."Within the next twenty-four hours, maybe sooner," Khan replied. "We don’t have much time to prepare.""Understood."Ayesha set the radio down, glancing at Adrian, who stood up and began pacing the small space. His jaw was clenched, and there was a storm brewing in his dark eye

  • WHY ME   Chapter 156

    **A New Dawn**The city skyline was still drenched in the fading glow of dawn as Ayesha sat by the window of the safe house, her injured shoulder bandaged, her mind still reeling from the events of the night before.The Ghost was dead.It should have felt like victory, like closure—but all she felt was exhaustion.The door creaked open, and Adrian stepped inside, carrying two cups of coffee. He placed one in front of her before settling into the chair across from her."You should be resting," he said, his voice softer than usual.Ayesha wrapped her fingers around the warm cup, letting the heat seep into her skin. "Can’t sleep."Adrian studied her for a moment before leaning back. "I get it. It’s hard to turn it all off after something like this."She let out a quiet laugh. "That’s an understatement."They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of everything between them unspoken. The past few months had changed them, pushed them to their limits, tested their loyalties. And now, with

  • WHY ME   Chapter 155

    **Shadows of the Past**The air was thick with tension. Ayesha sat in the dimly lit command room, staring at the encrypted files Priya had extracted from the Ghost’s database. Each line of code felt like a ticking time bomb, a secret waiting to unravel.Adrian leaned over her shoulder, his voice low. "Anything useful?"Priya sighed, rubbing her temples. "This encryption is on another level. I’ve cracked part of it, but there’s still a ton left."Azrael, who had been silent for most of the night, finally spoke. "It’s not just encryption—it’s a pattern. Look." He pointed at a series of numbers that repeated every few lines.Ayesha’s brows furrowed. "Coordinates?"Azrael nodded. "Possibly. But they’re incomplete. We’re missing something."Reva crossed her arms. "If we can’t break the code, we won’t find the Ghost before he disappears again."Ayesha exhaled sharply. They needed a breakthrough—fast.The Missing PieceAs the team debated their next move, Ayesha’s phone buzzed. She glanced a

  • WHY ME   Chapter 154

    ** The Ghost’s Last Move**The tension in the safe house was suffocating. The team had secured a crucial victory, but they all knew it wasn’t over. The Ghost wouldn’t stay silent for long.Ayesha stood at the center of the dimly lit command room, her eyes fixed on the city map sprawled across the table. Red dots marked the locations of the dismantled sleeper cells, but one spot remained untouched—the Ghost’s headquarters."We need to end this now," Adrian said, standing beside her. His voice was calm, but she could hear the underlying urgency."We don’t even know where he is," Reva countered, arms crossed. "Every lead we’ve followed has been a dead end."Azrael tapped on his laptop, his fingers moving rapidly across the keys. "Maybe not. I just intercepted an encrypted message. It’s coming from an old government facility outside the city."Ayesha’s eyes narrowed. "That has to be him."Priya, still trying to regain the team's trust, stepped forward. "If we’re going after him, we need a

  • WHY ME   Chapter 153

    ** The Final Gambit**The warehouse buzzed with a tense energy as the team finalized their plans. With Priya's insider knowledge, they had pinpointed the Ghost's central command—a fortified compound nestled in the outskirts of the city. The mission ahead was perilous, but the stakes had never been higher.Ayesha gathered the team for a final briefing. Maps and schematics were spread across a makeshift table, illuminated by the dim glow of portable lamps."Our objective is twofold," Ayesha began, her voice steady. "We dismantle the Ghost's operations and extract Priya's family safely. Timing and precision are crucial."Azrael pointed to the compound's layout. "The main control center is here, heavily guarded. We'll need to create a diversion to draw their forces away."Reva nodded. "We can rig explosives along the eastern perimeter. That should divert their attention long enough for the extraction team to move in."Adrian turned to Priya. "Do you have intel on where your family is bein

  • WHY ME   Chapter 152

    ** Shadows of Deception**The revelation hung in the air like a dense fog, suffocating and impenetrable. Azrael had just named the Ghost's leader—a person they all knew, trusted, and had worked alongside for years.Ayesha's mind raced, piecing together fragments of past missions, conversations, and subtle anomalies that now screamed betrayal. The Ghost wasn't just an external enemy; it was an insidious force embedded within their own ranks.Adrian broke the silence, his voice a mixture of disbelief and anger. "Are you absolutely certain?"Azrael met his gaze steadily. "I wouldn't risk my life on a hunch. The evidence is irrefutable."Reva clenched her fists, her knuckles whitening. "This changes everything. We've been compromised from the start."Priya's eyes welled with tears, the weight of the betrayal crashing down on her. "How could they? After everything we've been through together?"Ayesha took a deep breath, steadying herself. "We need to act, and we need to act now. But we can

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status