The world had seen the headlines.
The blogs had spread the lies.
But today, Zafar and Zoha weren't hiding behind statements or lawyers.
They were walking into a studio, hand in hand.
Together.
The studio lights were blinding.
The cameras pointed straight at them.
The host smiled with artificial kindness, ready to stir drama for ratings.
Zafar adjusted his black suit, calm but unreadable.
Zoha sat beside him, composed, wearing a white blouse—clean, honest, and unshaken.
The host leaned forward, microphone in hand.
"Mr. Iqbal, there are claims that Ms. Zoha Malik used her position as your assistant to manipulate you emotionally—and destroy your family. Would you like to comment?"
Zafar didn't blink.
He simply said, "No. I'd like to correct you."
The host blinked.
Zafar continued, voice cold but controlled.
"My wife left me the day after our son was born. She didn't want the responsibility. She didn't even say goodbye. I raised my son alone for a year… and it nearly killed me inside."
He paused.
"And then… Zoha came."
Zoha's hands were clasped tightly in her lap. She didn't speak.
Not yet.
Zafar turned to the camera.
"Zoha didn't 'use' her position. She saved my life. And my son's. She brought back the sound of laughter in a home that had been dead."
He looked at the host.
"She didn't break a family. She built one with me."
Gasps rippled across the live audience.
But Zafar wasn't done.
He reached for Zoha's hand, holding it gently.
"I've made many business deals. I've seen lies. Betrayal. I don't trust easily."
He turned to her now, eyes softening.
"But I trust you, Zoha."
Her lips trembled.
Zafar's voice dropped low, vulnerable.
"In front of the world, I want to say this—I love you."
Tears welled in Zoha's eyes.
This wasn't just for the cameras.
It wasn't strategy.
This was real.
Zafar, the man who once trusted no woman, was laying his heart bare.
And the world listened.
Silent.
After the interview, as they stepped outside, dozens of reporters called their names—but Zoha only looked at Zafar.
"You didn't have to say all that," she whispered.
He brushed a tear from her cheek.
"I know. But I wanted to."
She smiled, eyes shimmering with emotion.
"You love me?"
He pulled her into his arms.
"I've loved you since the day Ezra reached for you instead of me. Since the day you kissed his forehead like he was yours."
Zoha laughed through her tears.
Zafar held her tighter.
"No one will touch you again. No one will doubt you. I won't let them."
In that moment, nothing else mattered.
Not headlines.
Not history.
Only this.
Them.