Julie’s POV / Author’s voice

Julie clicked send — mission completed.

“If you let those people go, we’ll be opponents next time.” That was the message she’d emailed the officer who’d assigned the job.

She never met the officer in person, but messages arrived, or her people — who had ears everywhere — told her where she was needed next.

Remembering the bestie night at Lara’s house, Julie changed clothes and left. She couldn’t hide her curiosity. Sana had been acting strange; she was hiding something. That morning Sana had called, saying she needed to talk — but first she wanted to say goodbye to Lara.

Julie’s head started to play different voices and sounds. There had to be something important. Julie worried — Sana had never been so scared in front of anyone. Those men had to be dangerous.

Pushing the thoughts away, Julie forced a smile as she reached her friend’s house. She pressed the bell. After a minute, Lara opened the door with a smile plastered across her face.

Julie hugged her tightly and stepped into the lounge. Sana and Laura were there, playing chess. Sana clutched her scarf, thinking of her next move; Laura sipped tea and watched the TV.

“Yeah! Here you go — your queen is out, your queen is out!” Sana sang happily.

Julie and Lara froze at the sight, but Laura picked up her knight, placed it, and whispered, “Checkmate.”

Sana stopped, stared in disbelief, and began tugging at her scarf. Julie and Lara laughed. “Yeah, that was expected,” they teased.

Suddenly Lara went quiet and stared at the floor. The atmosphere shifted. For a moment they thought she had discovered their plot. Then Laura summoned the courage to ask, “What’s wrong?”

Lara drew a long breath, lifted her head, closed her eyes, and said, “I am getting married.” She spread her arms and smiled.

When no one responded, she opened her eyes again and looked at them. Their mouths hung open — shock written all over their faces.

Sana blinked a few times, then blurted, “You’re kidding, right?”

Lara stood there, silent. When she finally spoke, her friends bombarded her with questions.

“With who?” Julie asked.
“Since when?” Laura demanded.
“How?” Sana cut in.
“Is he handsome?” Laura asked dreamily.
“Are you willing?” Julie asked protectively.
“Shall we believe you?” Sana raised an eyebrow.
“Where did you meet him?” Laura murmured.
“When and what happened?” Julie pushed.
“Did he propose?” Laura finished.

“Stop!” Lara shouted, and the room fell silent.

“Sana, first of all, I am not kidding,” Lara said. “Secondly, his name is Aliyan. Third, he’s my crush from kindergarten. Fourth — I don’t know how — but he fell in love with me. Fifth, yes, he is very handsome. Sixth, yes, I’m willing to marry him. Seventh, of course you can believe me. We met at a park during my morning run seven months ago. And lastly — yes! He proposed.”

After she explained everything, the friends stood looking at one another, then all three hugged Lara tightly as if there were no tomorrow. They jumped around, screaming and laughing.

The rest of the day flew by with questions about Lara’s future husband and her excited answers. They decided that since Lara was non-Muslim, the other two would be her maids of honor.

After a long, surprising day, the three friends left Lara’s house with big smiles plastered on their faces.

The smiles didn’t last long. Sana’s face turned uneasy.

“Umm… guys?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes, Sana, we’re listening. Go ahead,” Julie replied.

“Well… I was searching about something.” Sana’s voice faltered.

“Yes?” Julie’s tone grew uncomfortable.

“Leave it.” Sana shook her head and tried to walk faster, hoping to avoid their eyes. But before she could pass them, Laura spoke with quiet certainty:

“You’ve started hacking again. You’re looking for the killer of your parents. Am I wrong?”

Her words hit with the weight of truth. Sana huffed, nodded, and looked away.

Julie froze, just as shocked as she’d been when Lara announced her engagement. “What the heck, Sana? Are you trying to scare the life out of me? Is there anything else you two want to confess? Because I think I can handle a little more.” She was pissed, her voice sharp.

“No, I don’t think there’s anything left,” Sana admitted. “What Laura said is true.”

Julie exhaled sharply. “Well, this whole thing can wait until after Lara’s marriage. That’s final.” She started walking away.

“Your friend won’t be with you until then… not if you don’t help, not if you wait,” Sana said, her words stopping Julie cold.

Julie turned, eyes narrowing. “You know what, Sana? I can’t do this to Lara. But we’re best friends. Of course I’ll help you. Just — please. Somehow we need to take this problem somewhere else until her marriage is done.”

Laura nodded firmly.

Sana smiled at them, relief flickering through her. “Okay.”

The three went their separate ways, but Sana lingered for a moment longer. Deep down, she knew.

This might be the last time she saw her friends.