Collision of hearts

Chapter 18

When I woke up, Zaid was not there. I glanced at the clock, and my mouth dropped—11:09. I freshened up and hurried downstairs. I was surprised to see Zaid cooking in the kitchen. I was admiring his broad shoulders from behind when he said, "I can feel you staring." I smiled and said, "Good morning, Dark Prince." He answered, and I asked what he was making. "Toast and eggs. Have a seat; I'm almost done," he said.

"You're not going to work today?" I asked after we finished eating.

"Nah, I will be working at home," he replied, and I nodded. I examined his face; the bruise was now purplish. I looked at him and thought, "He is so perfect." Zaid smiled widely, and I closed my eyes in embarrassment. "Don't say a word," I said, leaving.

I had just gotten off the phone with Mami when Zaid came out wearing a black kaftan. He looked handsome, Masha Allah, I thought. "Are you going out?" I asked, and he replied, "Yes." I couldn't help but ask, "Where are you going all dressed up?" He laughed, shaking his head. "To see Al-Amin," he said. I nodded. "Can I go?" he asked, and I nodded. "Allah ya tsare." "Amin," he whispered, kissing my forehead. As he was leaving, he turned and said, "Laila is coming back today."

I cooked lunch, showered, and was waiting for Zaid to come back when I received a message from him saying, "Hey baby, I'm so sorry. Something came up. I will be coming home late, so don't wait for me." I turned on the TV and watched the K-drama "Destined with You."

It is 11:45 PM, and Zaid is not back yet. I am worried about him. I called his phone, but it is switched off. I don't know what to do and don't want to tell anyone because maybe he is okay and on his way. I was standing by the window, watching outside for him, but there's no sign of him.

At 12:32, I heard the gate opening. I hurried downstairs, and there he was, standing. I ran to him and hugged him. "Are you okay? What took so long?" I asked with worry lacing my voice. "I'm sorry. There was something I had to take care of. I knew it would take time, but I didn't know it would take this long," he said gently. I nodded and said, "Go freshen up. I will make something for you." He left.

Four days later

Today, Zaid's friends are coming over. I woke up and saw Zaid sleeping. He looked so cute and innocent. I snapped a picture of him, then freshened up and proceeded to make breakfast. After I was done, I was on my way upstairs when I met Zaid coming down. We went downstairs hand-in-hand.

Al-Amin, Ahmad, and Ya Muhammad arrived after Asr. I excused them, and after a while, I heard female voices from downstairs. I went downstairs and saw Fatima and Laila (I met Laila a few days ago, and she doesn't seem to like me). I didn't expect to see Anisa—what the hell is she doing here?

"Sannunku," I said, addressing no one in particular. I turned to look at Zaid, and he was already looking at me with a sorry expression. They all made themselves comfortable. I was talking to Ya Muhammad when I saw Anisa moving toward Zaid. "Babe—Zaid, what happened to your face?" She moved to touch his face, but he shifted before she could, and I scoffed, looking at them. I felt Ya Muhammad squeezing my hand, giving me an apologetic smile, which I returned. She didn't make any more moves on Zaid.

"Fatima, can you please help me with my earring? It is stuck in my hair," Anisa said. My eyes landed on the jewelry she was wearing. It was the same as the one Nene gave me—the one Zaid said he kept in the car.

"Beautiful jewelry you have there. Where did you get it?" Laila said. Zaid's eyes landed on the jewelry, and the blood drained from his face. That confirmed my suspicions; it was mine. He gave it to her. I told him how precious they are to me, and he gave them to her. I looked at him with disappointment and disgust as I excused myself.