Arranged: Betrothed

chapter 34

I swallowed back any emotions and stared at him.

"Not happy to see me?" He asked, stepping closer.

I stayed silent and crossed my arms. His eyes glanced down at my chest, and it happened so quickly that I thought I imagined it. My heart skipped a beat, but somehow, I managed to stop my face from warming up.

Pervert.

Another step forward. It was like he was trying to intimidate me. I stood my ground. He could bring the worst, and I would not give it.

Mary looked between us alarmed. I felt bad that I dragged her into my personal life. I gave her a nod, and she looked reluctant but went left her living room. I knew she was eavesdropping, but I didn't mind it at all. I actually felt safer knowing that she was here. 

"What do you want?" I asked, keeping any feelings out of my voice.  

"Come back home." He demanded.

"Im not listening to any demands."  I huffed and rolled my eyes. His eyes narrowed at my attitude. 

"Let's talk about this like adults." He tried again. 

"So now im an adult?" I argued. 

"Zahara."

"Samir."

He sighed. "You shouldn't have gone to the party." 

"You didn't have a good enough reason." 

"Is it not enough that I said no? I let you go to other parties because I was there, and the one time I dont let you go because I can't make it, you sneak out."

"My whole life was dictated by my parents who refused me without any reason. And fair enough, I was a child, but even after becoming an adult, nothing changed. You do the same, but Im done letting everyone dictate what I can or can not do. Saying no is not enough. I'm not a child anymore. If you had given me a proper reason, I probably would not have gone. But no, you're just like my dad."

His jaw clenched. "I'm not like your father."

"You are. No sleepovers, no outings with friends, no parties, no takeaways, no boyfriends. And when I asked him why? He said because I said so." 

"Do you still not know why, Zahara?" He asked.

"No. I have no idea. I don't remember anything." I replied a little softer.

He came closer until we were almost chest to chest . I tilted head back to look at him. He raised his hand, cupping my cheek.

"You were drugged, baby. I'm sure it was that boy you spoke to. You said he asked you to meet him in a room, but you left instead. I found you in an alley way. Zahara, I can't imagine... what could've happened. It doesn't always happen, but you're too naive, too sweet, and unfortunately, an easy target."

I swallowed at the distraught look on his face. I was upset with whatever happened with Ethan, I couldn't imagine what I would've felt like if anything more happened.

"You being angry at me was tolerable, but you took me to my parents' house. You told them we would separate. You took it too far, Samir." I croaked, stepping back. His hand dropped, but the look on his face stayed the same.

"All of this could've been avoided if you were transparent. I am naive, stupid, and immature, but you're older than me, more experienced. You didn't guide me. You restricted me. I considered you a friend, and you considered me a child."

He sighed softly. "I'm sorry, doll. My anger got the worst of me. I underestimated the way your parents treated you. I promise I'll communicate better."

I nodded and looked down.

"Come home with me." He pleaded with me. My heart clenched painfully at his voice.

"No." I whispered, stepping back. Tears blurred my vision. I didn't want to go back with him. I was hurt and upset with his behaviour. I have accepted his apology, but I don't think I can move on from it. I couldn't look at him knowing that if I changed my mind, it would be because I sympathise with him, not because of my own feelings. I turned away from him, wiping the tears that fell on my cheeks.

"Goodbye, Zahara."

I heard his footsteps retreat and then the front door shutting gently. I sobbed as soon as he left, feeling my entire body shake. I felt a pair of arms wrap around me, and I turned around and hugged her back. "Shh, Zahara. It will all be better. I'm here to support you in whatever decision you take."

Her words calmed me down instantly. I controlled my emotions for the time being, and we sat down on the sofa in silence. "Are you going to separate?" She asked hesitantly.

"I- no. I'm upset. I need time. I'm sorry, I'm probably such a burden. I'm looking for other accommodation." I mumbled.

"Don't be silly. You're staying here until you know what you want. Take your time. There's no rush." She scolded gently.

"Thanks, Mary. If it wasn't for you, I'd be on the streets." I leaned against her shoulder, taking a shaky breath.

"Come on, let's have a movie night. It'll take your mind off things." She cheered.

I smiled and nodded even though I didn't feel like it. I needed a distraction. I excused myself while she set everything up.

I washed my face with cold water, hoping the redness on my cheeks reduces. I hated being this emotional, but I've suddenly been exposed to so many things at once that it's over whelming me. I needed time to think about everything. Part of me thought he wouldn't come. He doesn't care about me. But seeing him there, dressed in his usual formal attire, made me feel some sort of hope.

But I couldn't go back yet. Maybe I'd feel better tomorrow or in a few days, or perhaps I would let this incidence rule my entire future. I stretched my arms and tilted my neck on either side, feeling my muscles just a little. 

I went back downstairs again, giving Mary a smile. "Zahara, do you mind if Ali comes around." She asked tentatively.

"Of course not." I nodded, knowing that they hadn't met up much because I have been staying here. "I'll order food today. Let me feel a little more useful." I added quickly. She squinted at me playfully before laughing. "Okay."

I smiled back and sat down, pulling my phone out and making an order for us to be delivered in an hours time. In no time was Ali here, it was as if he was waiting outside. Poor guy.

We settled down quickly and started watching a horror film, sharing a blanket between the three of us. And eventually  retired to our rooms.

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Next Chapter before I received a message lol!! Hope you enjoy it.

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Z.A.B