Anaya went back to her hotel. She was still searching for apartments, but as she entered her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed. She was way too tired and sleepy—but sleep wouldn’t come. Tomorrow was a big day for her. A hit or a miss.
Anaya sat in the hotel’s quiet lobby café, her laptop open, fingers flying over the keys as she typed out questions for the interview. She had hardly slept. Between the jetlag and the adrenaline rush from being assigned an exclusive with Haider Kazi—the infamous captain of the Knighters—her body buzzed with nerves
She showed up sharp at 6:50 AM at the studio: blazer ironed, heels on.
7:00 AM passed.
Then 7:30.
By 8:00 a.m., it was official: Haider Kazi was a no-show.
Mortified, she walked out of the studio, her phone clenched in her hand. The receptionist had confirmed that his PR had agreed. Her boss had seen her leave the studio empty-handed. She couldn’t afford to lose her job—not on day one.
Furious, she did something she rarely did—sent an unfiltered message:
> “Mr. Kazi,
If you or your team can’t manage a simple calendar entry, maybe it’s time to hire people who can. Don’t worry—I’ll let my editor know your time is far too precious for journalism.”
):
“Congratulations. You’ve officially wasted my morning, my boss’s patience, and a perfectly ironed blazer. If you didn’t want the interview, you could’ve just said so. Silence isn’t classy—it’s careless.”
> “Being famous doesn’t excuse being flaky. You may win matches, Mr. Kazi, but when it comes to professionalism—you just lost.”
She hit send.
Haider read the message three hours later, sipping his black coffee on the balcony. Confused, he stared at the message for a good 30 minutes before calling his manager.
“How was the interview?”
“What interview?”
Haider scrolled through his manager’s texts and realized what had happened. He’d missed a one-on-one interview. He quickly declined the call and muttered, “Is she crazy?” But he was... amused.
He replied:
> Sorry, I wasn’t informed. Let’s reschedule for tomorrow.
Anaya read the message. Her nostrils flared.
> “Jhoota kahi ka. Usko kya lagta hai? Sab free baithe hain iske liye?”
She replied:
> I’m not free tomorrow. Let’s schedule it for Wednesday.
She lied.
A chuckle broke from Haider as he read her reply.
---
Two days later
Anaya walked into the Knighters’ training complex. Her press badge hung around her neck, but the sting of being ignored still lingered. She had re-applied her eyeliner three times before stepping in, reminding herself not to lose her cool.
He walked in exactly on time. Black joggers. A grey tee that clung to his arms. No smile. But his eyes lingered on her a second too long, but swiftly, he lowered his gaze
“Miss Suleman,” he said, taking the seat across from her. “Let’s begin.”
She straightened her spine. “Thank you for finally showing up.”
His lips twitched—almost a smirk. “You sent quite the message.”
“I’m just passionate about my work,” she replied, flipping her notepad.
“Clearly.”
The camera rolled.
“Captain Haider Kazi,” she began, voice poised, “you’re known for leading your team to several championships, but you rarely give interviews. Why now?”
“I was told I had no choice.”
She blinked.
“I mean—PR,” he clarified, glancing at the camera.
She gave a dry smile. “How do you define leadership?”
He paused. “Not popularity. Not being loud. It’s... knowing when to speak and when to let your team shine.”
Anaya nodded. “You’ve been criticized for avoiding media. Do you think that damages your public image?”
“If image mattered more than performance, I’d quit.”
She scribbled. Her heart was racing—not from nerves, but because this man was… different.
“Are you planning to stay with the Knighters for the rest of your career?”
“I don’t plan that far. But they’re my family.”
She asked a few more questions, strictly about his career. He was impressed. Nothing had made him uncomfortable.
Afterwards, Anaya went straight to the office to begin editing. As she stepped outside, her phone rang. It was Jenna.
“Girl, I just saw the footage. YOU ATE. Boss is thrilled.”
Anaya grinned. “Tell him I’m just a newcomer proving herself.”
While editing, she noticed something odd. Not once during the interview had Haider looked directly at her. His gaze had remained lowered the entire time.
> his act definitely warmed her heart, but what she saw on the internet and by her eyes him being clingy to female fans was still on her mind
Later, she showed the edit to her boss.
“There’s nothing spicy, but you managed to get a Haider Kazi interview. I’m impressed. That’s why the office will now accommodate you in an apartment.”
Meanwhile, Haider sat on a bench, scrolling through his phone. He clicked on her name—(miss Suleman) and hovered over the chat.
No message.
He typed:
> No thank-you message? I thought you were professional.
The reply came quickly:
> I crafted a better image for you in PR and gave up my time—twice. I think the thank-you should go the other way.
A smile lingered on his face.
This wasn’t over.
It was just the start.
⚽️🎤💕
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BEHIND THE HEADLINES AND FIELDS
RomanceHaider doesn't believe in love-until he meets Anaya, the sunshine that somehow manages to get under his skin. He doesn't want her, but he can't stop getting pulled into her world, where everything is bright, bold, and utterly confusing. Anaya can't...
