Zahra
It's been two months since the (supposed) break in. Ian.. is different since that day. He doesn't let me out of his sight, ever and I'm still figuring out if it's a good or bad thing. I can tell Ian is busy, considering I never ever see him at his office. I know what he's doing, and I know its for him, so I don't question it. Plus, I would rather not know. Though I am anxious, I'll admit. I don't know what Zane is planning or what he wants from me but.. I strangely trust Ian to handle whatever it is.
"Ah, Ms Zahra, someone is here to see you," Lola greeted through the little gap made by her when she cracked open my door.
"Who is it?" I assume it would be a client.
"Oh, it's Mr Sanchez, your husband," Lola whispered. I didn't necessarily keep our marriage a "secret" per say, I just never thought it to be a big deal since we weren't going to stay married for long. It's true, it's something I headed into the marriage knowing yet somehow it hurts whenever I think about it so I don't. I tell myself I just want to be a good wife, but deep down I know it's more than that.
"Oh, okay. Let him in." I say. I'm greeted with Ian in a suit, looking handsome as ever. I smile to myself.
"So happy to see me?"
"Don't get to cocky now, Mr Sanchez," I retort, lighthearted and Ian smiles back. "Why are you here? For the campaign? We already started launching it and your colleague told me it was going well. Is there something wrong?" I ask.
Ian shakes his head. "No, no that's not it. I.. won't be coming home for the next week."
I tilted my head in confusion, "The whole week?"
He nods silently. I'm afraid to ask, but I have to. "Why?"
He bites his lips, anxious. "It's because of Zane. Nothing serious I just.. have a contact in the UK that can help me."
"You're going alone?" I'm terrified of being alone but I'm even more terrified of losing Ian. I'm scared to admit it. So I don't.
"I'm going with Nic."
I heard of Nic, Ian mentioned him for the past weeks a couple times. Even met him once when he came over. I trust him. "Leo?"
He shakes his head. "I'll get him to look after you, though. Just move in next to us. So he's nearby if anything."
That makes me feel safe. "Be safe, Ian. But, why didn't you wait till we reached home?"
His expression falls a little. "I'm going right after this.. I'm sorry. It's really last minute, I know but it really just came up this morning. I really want to get this over with as soon as possible so.." he pauses, he pauses for so long I wonder what he's thinking about. Then his eyes fell. And I wonder for a brief moment if the idea of this marriage being temporary hurts him as much as it hurts me but he lets out a sigh. "Go back to our own lives, and you can find someone who makes you happy," he says.
I smile. A forced smile but it's really okay. I tell myself, it is. Some things just aren't meant to be. "Come back safely." I utter, so does he. I get up to embrace him. We've only held each other for maybe 4 times but I feel if I didn't do it, I'll regret it so I hold him for a little longer this time. Allowing myself to be selfish, as I took in his scent. Maybe if I held him long enough I'll never let him go.
We finally pull apart. Then Ian softly takes a hold of my cheeks, holding them before planting a light kiss on my temple. It was so brief, and so light I could have sworn it was a dream. But it wasn't. "You need to be safe too." he says.
Watching him leave the office for a one-week trip shouldn't feel as bitter or as painful as it did, but somehow it does. Somehow it feels like a goodbye longer than either of us would anticipate.
When I arrive home, I immediately lay down on my bed.
Ding!
Leo: Hey, Zahra?
I smile. "Leo?" i typed back.
He sents a silly emoji and I realise just how different him and Ian are. It makes me sad, but happy at the same time. At least Ian had someone around him who was such a light.
"So you're my bodyguard?"
Leo: Yes. For the next week, SIL
with a salute emoji.
"Have you moved in?"
Leo: Yeah, it's kind of nice here
Leo: Should I stay here forever
I send laughing emojis. "Maybe"
He sends a smiley emoji. Then a heart one.
Leo: Goodnight, SIL.
I laugh, putting my phone aside. I prayed alot that night.
Ian will come home safely. I'll be here safely.
Both of us will be okay.
It's just a week.
YOU ARE READING
Before The Sky & The Sea (Completed)
Romance"50,000 years before the sky was introduced to the sea, Allah wrote your name next to me." Zahra Aishah is a Muslim woman, thriving in her line of work. She is one of the youngest CEOs for her own marketing company and she stands by her values no ma...
