Chapter 1: Introduction
Khaled was sprawled on the couch, his eyes glued to the sixty-inch TV in front of him as his virtual battalion unloaded a horde of bullets towards the enemy team. The tension was palpable in his cramped Chicago apartment that was filled to the brim with coarse laughter and the clanks of glass against the coffee table. With each pull of the joystick trigger, Khaled drove his teammates back to one solid victory.
“Bro, just died a little inside.” John threw his head back, looking at Khaled innocently.
“Seriously, keep it in your pants, man.”
Khaled didn’t take kindly to John’s jab, but at least he was getting a bit of an ego boost for once. Eddy was as silent as a rock, ripping at his fingernails and barely paying attention to the game. Khaled wasn’t sure whether Eddy was nervous or just finding it too easy to mop the floor with the enemy team. But just as Khaled was about to call it a night, something at the corner of his eye caught his attention.
He adjusted his glasses and saw Mona, Khaled’s mother, enthusiastically making her way into the room, tripping on the threshold.
“Is anybody hungry?” She asked in astonishment. She wore a fitted pair of leggings that highlighted every single curve of her voluptuous body. Khaled swallowed hard, cursing silently. He had begrudgingly admitted to himself that Mona looked attractive today, but nervousness slithered through his spine. He secretly hoped his friends wouldn’t let their eyes wander.
Yes, she was an attractive woman, but she was his mother, and he felt uncomfortable with his friends giving his mom the up-and-down.
But as he glanced at John again, trying to inconspicuously hide his concern, he saw John's gaze lingering on Mona’s curves in a way that made Khaled cringe. Eddy, meanwhile, seemed oblivious to the drama unfolding. He was tuned out, paying rapt attention to the game and barely acknowledging Mona's presence.
She floated through the room for a second, radiating energy. "Here are some snacks, guys!" She called out, her voice airy and light. "Please help yourselves."
"I'm good, Mrs. Khaled." John flashed Mona his megawatt smile and eyed her up and down appreciatively. "Thanks, though."
Mona blinked, surprised. "Oh, call me Mona ," she said, with a playful smile.
"And feel free to have some, John. I made them myself."
Mona loved to cook and had always pampered her only son Khaled and his friends with her mouthwatering culinary creations. Khaled couldn’t help but feel relieved at her response. Maybe she was oblivious to John's lingering gaze and the trace of heat rising to his cheeks.
"Mona, these look amazing!" Eddy announced, appearing at her side. "Were these the ones you talked about? The meat pies?"
Khaled swallowed hard again.
He had never seen Eddy gives any woman his full attention. And right now, all of it was focused on Mona. Khaled felt a little uncomfortable, as if he was intruding on a private scene.
But as he peered at his mother, her eyes sparkling with pleasure at the compliment, Khaled realized that her charm lay not just in her appearance, but in her ability to make people feel loved and valued. She exuded warmth and laughter, creating a soothing home atmosphere that put everyone at ease.
“They sure are, Eddy." Mona beamed with pride.
"*Yes*, that's them! I hope you like them, Eddy."
Eddy's eyes widened, and he nodded vigorously. "I'm sure I will, Mona. I heard your cooking was legendary."
Khaled watched the exchange, his brows furrowing as he realized that the two of them were deeply engrossed in their own conversation. He could feel the muscles in his jaw tensing up, a wave of discomfort washing over him. He had never seen his mother like this, so talkative and animated in front of his friends.
She was basking in the spotlight, and Khaled couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. He couldn't deny that his mother was a beautiful woman, but he had never wanted his friends to stare at her with such hunger and interest.
As Mona continued to chat with Eddy, Khaled turned back to the game, trying to shake off his awkward feelings. But it was difficult to concentrate with the sounds of laughter and Mona's bubbly voice floating through the room.
Khaled couldn't help but steal furtive glances at his mother, taking in the way her long black hair cascaded down her shoulders and her curves bounced enticingly with every move she made. He couldn't deny the growing attraction between his mother and his friends.
Suddenly, the front door swung open, and in walked Mariam, Khaled's younger sister. She had long wavy hair, brown eyes, and a perfect hourglass figure. She was studying fashion design at a prestigious university and had an air of confidence about her.