Arranged: Betrothed

chapter 6

Zahara's P.O.V

I jerked awake, standing up unsteadily as I looked around the unfamiliar place. I was in the bathroom. He didn't even try to get me out of here. That's probably a good sign? He wouldn't force me, but last night he tried to undress me...

I turned to look at myself in the mirror, my make up was still on and it still looked very flawless. I looked at the skincare products, there was an expensive looking face wash neatly lined up on a glass shelf along with some other items. I leaned down, rinsing my face with water before squeezing a generous amount of the product on my hand and rubbing into my skin. It smelled nice, hopefully it wouldn't have any side effects on me.

My eye makeup took some effort tp wash off, but other than that it was all okay. I looked around, spotting a toothbrush in toothbrush-holder within its packaging. I guess he was more prepared than I was. I didn't even bother packing anything for myself. Not even clothes.

I froze at the thought. No clothes meant that I would have to stay in my wedding dress. I gulped nervously and began to brush my teeth.

When I was finally done with everything I placed my hand on the lock, opening it up hesitantly. Part of me feared that he would be standing on the other side of the door waiting for me. I lowered the handle slowly, trying to make the least noise as I opened the door. I peaked out to see the bedroom empty. Could he have gone somewhere? I opened the door all the way and looked around, double checking.

I spotted a familiar suitcase on the floor beside his cupboard. It was huge, it looked like the ones my Dad owned. I stepped towards it, kneeling on the ground, opening the clips.

I lifted the lid to see majority of my clothes tightly packed into a single suitcase. I didn't know whether to be thankful, or even more angered at the thought of being put in this situation. I felt myself trembling with emotions again. I had cut them off. Forever.

Now I was alone with this man, who's name I learned at the ceremony. Samir.

I pulled put a pair of sweatpants and a black tshirt, which were usually my comfort clothes at home. Just as I was standing up, I heard the bedroom door get pushed again. I scrambled up to my feet and rushed to the bathroom just as he stepped in. I locked the door hastily, staring at the handle, expecting him to attempt to open it.

After a few seconds when nothing happened, I took a deep breath that I hadn't realised I was holding and relaxed a little.

I began changing out of my dress, wondering what I would say to him. We were two strangers sharing a room now. I couldn't cower from him, I had to pretend that I could stand up for myself.

I built up the courage and opened the door again, stepping out.

He stood beside the bed with his arms crossed. I refused to look at him. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him move. I tensed, when he closed the distance between us again.

"Took you long enough, baby-doll."

"My name is Zahara." I stated shakily. My whole body was throbbing in time with my heart.

"Nice to meet you, baby-doll. I'm Samir." I didn't like how close he got to me. I couldn't even breathe properly.

He placed his hand against the wall just like last night. My breath got caught in my throat, when his finger gently gripped my chin, tilting my face up. Unwillingly, I looked up at his face. His eyes were a lighter shade than my brown eyes, with a tinge of green in them. It was such a unique colour.

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at him. But that was a mistake, his eyes lowered towards my chest. Even my modest clothing made me feel exposed in front of him. I dropped my arms immediately and felt my face flushing with embarrassment. The neckline of my tshirt wasn't that deep.

His thumb brushed over my lower lip, as he bit his own. I jerked my face out of his hand and scowled.

"Cute." He smirked and I glared at him. How dare he? I'm annoyed and he finds it cute? "Come on, baby-doll. I made breakfast."

"I'm not hungry." I answered sharply. "And don't call me that."

He raised his eyebrow, amusement glimmering in them. He didn't wait for my response and grabbed my hand in his, tugging me after himself.

"Hey! Let me go!" I protested, but he acted like I wasn't violently pulling my arm out of his grip. He pulled me forwards harshly, pinning me between the counter and himself. "I don't mind man-handling you if I need to."

My eyes widened and shut with a gasp just as quickly when he raised his hand to my face. I waited for the harsh impact of his hand against my face, panting softly. I felt his fingers trace the side of my face, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I bit my lip hard, feeling my lip tremble with emotion. That meant he would hurt me if I didn't listen to him.

"Look at me." He murmured, sounding much closer to me than before. I was tempted to shake my head at him, but blinked my eyes open looking at his face. He was expressionless this time, his eyes dropping a little lower on my face.

He began leaning forwards again, angling his head slightly.

I quickly turned my head to the side, staring at the other end of the kitchen. He couldn't force me to anything, he could hit me as much as he'd like. I'd never willingly kiss him.

He stepped away from me moving over to the stove. I turned to look at him with surprise, but he had his back to me. When he turned around he held a plate in his hand placing it in front of me and went to fix himself one too.

I placed some the scrambled eggs on my toast and waited, unsure whether to eat without him or wait. He came and sat down at the table, digging in.

"Go on." He nodded, doing the same as me. I lifted the piece of bread and took a small bite, chewing it and swallowing down. The breakfast was quiet, he didn't really say anything to me.

"I have some expectations from you, which I'd rather discuss now rather than later." He stated, studying my face. I nodded, looking down at the table.

"Firstly, I expect dinner to be ready by the time I come home from work. Secondly, laundry should be done weekly, you can mix ours together as long as they are sorted in colours. I like my house tidy and clean, so make sure you clean after yourself. I need a groceries list by the end of the week and only dedicate a couple hours on Saturday to do the shopping. I'll give you pocket money too, so you can enjoy some small leisures in your time."

When he finished, he looked at me expectantly. I nodded again.

"Say, 'Yes, Samir.'"

I swallowed, clearing my throat. "Yes... Samir."

I felt my eyes welling up with tears again. I quickly stood up and placed my dishes in the sink, throwing the leftovers in the bin. I bit my lip hard, to keep any sounds of me crying quiet. He was exactly like what I feared. He expected me to be a typical housewife.

"When you're done you can go upstairs and sort your clothes out. I have built in an extra cupboard for your things. If you need more space, let me know and I'll ask someone to create more storage space."

"Okay." I answered with diffuculty. I hoped my answer was enough for now. If I said anymore I wouldn't have been able to hold myself together any longer.

♡°•●○___________________________○●•°♡

Hey kids!!! (I hope no kids read this story!) Anyways, how are we finding Samir?
And poor Zahara, being shoved into a marriage with him.

Please Vote and Comment your thoughts!!!

Lots of Love,

Z.A.B