WINNER OF HEART♡

◇part 18◇

Zahra got up, and he opened his eyes, gulping down his saliva. He looked at her and smiled, saying, "I’m going to freshen up." He stood and went straight into the washroom, forgetting to lock the door. He turned on the shower and stood beneath it, releasing a heavy sob as he began to cry. He grabbed his hair tightly, sitting on the ground with his back against the wall. Placing his hand over his chest, which was pounding rapidly, he rubbed it to ease the physical pain. His breath caught, and he covered his mouth to stifle the sobs.

Zahra, sitting on the edge of the bed, wiped her tears before walking toward the washroom. She called out, “Hadi.” He didn’t respond. She called again, but still, no answer. Frustrated, she bit her lip, then noticed the door was slightly open. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside and froze when she saw Hadi’s condition. “Ya Allah,” she whispered, her hand covering her mouth. His head hung low, eyes puffy and red from crying, his whole body drenched and trembling.

Zahra held herself together, kneeling beside him without caring about the shower. She cupped his face and gently said, “Hadi, love, look at me.” He grabbed her hand, his eyes filled with tears as he gazed at her. Zahra sat on his lap, pulling him close while wrapping her arms around his neck. Hadi hugged her tightly, his voice breaking, “It’s hurting, Za...Zahra.” She kissed his head and whispered, “My love, Hadi, please don’t do this to yourself.” He buried his face in her neck, and she stroked his hair, saying, “Forgive me, forgive me, Hadi.”

He looked up at her and whispered, “Heal me.” Zahra’s tears fell as she kissed his forehead repeatedly, then said, “I used to think he was my first love, but I was wrong, Hadi. You are my first love, and you will be my last. I love you, Hadi. I want to be with you in this life and the hereafter. You’re a blessing from Allah to me, and he...he was the worst chapter of my life. He always broke my heart, Hadi. He cheated on me.”

Zahra wiped Hadi’s tears, kissing his cheeks and nose. “I need you, Hadi,” she whispered. He hugged her again, this time squeezing her tightly. His body had grown cold, and Zahra gasped at how tightly he held her. She stroked his back, concerned. “You’re freezing, Hadi. Let’s get you changed,” she said. He buried his face in her neck and mumbled, “I love you, Zahra.” Slowly, he loosened his grip, and Zahra stood, offering him her hand to help him up. He hesitated before taking her hand.

Once they were both standing, Zahra moved closer and began unbuttoning his shirt. Hadi stopped her hands, and she looked at him with innocent eyes. “Let me do it,” she said softly. He released her hands, and she helped him take off his shirt. “I’ll change, you go out,” he said. Zahra bit her lip and nodded, leaving him to get dressed.

When Hadi came out of the bathroom, he was wearing a black T-shirt and trousers. Zahra glanced at him, and he sat on the edge of the bed. With a sigh, she went into the bathroom to change.

When she returned, she held a towel and went to him, drying his hair. Suddenly, Hadi hugged her waist. Zahra smiled slightly and whispered, “You calm the chaos in my heart.” He looked at her with innocent eyes and asked, “But what about my heart, Zahra?” She sat on his lap, resting his head on her chest, and placed her chin on his head. “Your heart is mine,” she said, “so don’t worry, my old man. I’ll keep it safe.”

“Promise?” he asked, looking up at her. She smiled, caressing his cheeks. “I promise.”

Zahra started to get up, but Hadi grabbed her waist. “Stay like this for a while,” he said. Zahra’s heart raced at the closeness. Hadi noticed and snuggled into her neck. “Are you getting nervous, love?” he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. She shivered and swallowed. “N-no,” she stammered. Hadi smiled, teasing, “You sure?” Zahra licked her lips, remaining silent.