WINNER OF HEART♡

◇part 19◇

Zahra panicked, her mind blank as she frantically rubbed Hadi's hands, tears streaming down her face. Just then, his eyes fluttered open, a mischievous smile spreading across his lips. "It was a prank, chubs," he said softly. Zahra's face hardened in a mixture of anger and relief. Without thinking, she climbed onto his stomach and began hitting him lightly. "I hate you, old man! I hate you!" Her words came out between breaths, but Hadi only chuckled, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward him.

"Didn't realize someone was so scared to lose me," he teased, his voice playful yet tender.

She gazed at him with wide, vulnerable eyes, her heart still racing. "You gave me a mini heart attack, love," she murmured, her voice quivering.

Hadi's gaze darkened, his eyes holding hers with a fierce intensity. His hands cradled her cheeks, but Zahra pulled her face closer to his, her voice firm. "I'm mad at you, Hadi, and I'm not joking this time."

He chuckled again, unable to take her seriously, which only frustrated her more. She sighed dramatically and climbed off him, collapsing onto the mattress beside him, arms crossed. Hadi watched her for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. Then, with a grin, he crawled over and lay down next to her, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Zahra rolled her eyes, still pretending to be mad, but he gently brushed the strands of hair that had fallen over her face, tucking them behind her ear. His fingers lingered for a moment, brushing against her skin.

Inwardly, Hadi cursed himself. "Yahh, Hadi," he thought, biting his lip, "she'll kill you if you try something now." He swallowed nervously, but unable to resist, he leaned in, his mouth hovering near her neck.

Zahra gasped at the heat of his breath on her skin, her body tensing. Her hand instinctively found his, clutching it tightly. When his lips grazed her neck, she shut her eyes, a shiver running through her. Inside her mind, she scolded herself, You're supposed to be angry with him, Zahra. Show him what you can do!

Determined, she turned abruptly and glared at him, her eyes fiery. Hadi blinked at her, feigning innocence, but she wasn't falling for it this time. She poked him in the chest with a firm finger. "Stay away from me."

Hadi pouted like a scolded child. She wasn't moved by it. "Take a side," she ordered, pointing to the other end of the bed. He obeyed, shuffling away, but his eyes never left hers, wide and pleading. Zahra grabbed some pillows, wedging them between them like a barrier. "Cross this line," she warned, "and you're sleeping on the couch."

Hadi looked utterly heartbroken, like a puppy left in the rain. She turned her back on him and closed her eyes, ignoring his fake whimpers.

In the middle of the night, Zahra woke up, thirsty. She quietly slipped out of bed, drank some water, then groaned as her stomach twisted in pain. "Ugh, what's wrong with my stomach?" she muttered, shuffling to the bathroom. When she returned, she paused at the sight of Hadi, fast asleep, curled around a pillow like a baby. Her annoyance softened, her heart melting at how peaceful he looked.

She smiled faintly and crawled back into bed, gently taking the pillow from him and placing it beside his head. As she settled down, Hadi's arms instinctively wrapped around her. She closed her eyes, her head resting in the crook of his neck. "I love you," she whispered softly, as though it was a secret only the night could hear.

Morning light filtered through the curtains. Hadi woke first, his gaze falling on Zahra who was still nestled against him. A bright smile spread across his face as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "My little baby," he murmured, his hand stroking her hair tenderly.

She stirred, rubbing her eyes sleepily. Hadi couldn't resist; he leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Her eyes snapped open in surprise, wide with shock. "Hadi! What are you doing?" she exclaimed, but before she could protest, he kissed her again, smiling mischievously.