Chapter 7: Zac's Protective Embrace

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The sun peeked through the clouds as we started shooting the scenes for the music video in Paris. Each location was chosen meticulously: the Eiffel Tower, the gardens of Versailles, and the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Every moment we spent filming felt surreal, almost as if Zac and I were on actual dates rather than just playing parts for the camera. The lines between reality and fiction blurred, and my feelings for him grew stronger with each passing day.

Zac was charming and attentive, making me laugh between takes and sharing stories about his life. We shared croissants in small cafés, walked hand in hand along the Seine, and danced under the soft glow of Parisian street lamps. The chemistry between us was undeniable, and it showed in every frame we captured.

After wrapping up in Paris, we flew to Marrakesh to shoot the remaining scenes. My vacation house there provided the perfect backdrop. We filmed in my room, adorned with posters of Zac, just as I had envisioned. The vibrant colors and exotic ambiance of the palm grove added a magical touch to our scenes.

The final scene was the most intimate. We were in Marrakesh, standing just outside my house. I leaned in to kiss Zac, and just before our lips touched, I stopped the camera, feeling butterflies in my stomach and my heart skipping a beat. Zac's eyes twinkled with amusement and affection, making it even harder to separate my real feelings from the on-screen romance.

The shooting wrapped up smoothly, and I flew back home, carrying with me memories of a magical experience. A couple of weeks later, I launched my song, "Dream Come True." The response was overwhelming, and a week after that, the music video was released. Both the song and the video were a massive success, garnering over a million streams in just an hour. It felt like a dream come true, but amidst the euphoria, danger lurked.

Kamel, my abusive ex, saw my success and the growing closeness between Zac and me. His jealousy turned into rage, and one evening, as I was returning home, he ambushed me.

I was walking down the quiet street, the excitement of the day's events still buzzing in my mind. I didn't notice the dark figure lurking in the shadows until it was too late. Suddenly, Kamel emerged from the darkness, his eyes filled with fury.

"Nora," he hissed, grabbing my arm with a vice-like grip. "You think you can just forget about me? Replace me with some American actor?"

"Kamel, let go of me!" I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened, causing a sharp pain to shoot up my arm.

"You think you're better than me now, huh? Just because you're famous?" He spat the words, his face contorted with anger.

"Please, Kamel, you're hurting me!" I pleaded, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me.

He raised his hand, and before I could react, he struck me across the face. The force of the blow knocked me to the ground. Dazed and in pain, I felt a warm trickle of blood from my lip.

"You're nothing without me, Nora. Nothing!" He kicked me in the ribs, and I curled up, trying to protect myself.

Suddenly, voices shouted from nearby. Passersby rushed to my aid, pulling Kamel away from me. He struggled against them, shouting obscenities, but they managed to hold him back.

"Are you okay?" one of them asked, helping me to my feet.

I nodded, though the world was spinning around me. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

They escorted me to my house, where I stumbled inside, my body aching and my mind reeling. Once inside, I rushed to my room and locked the door behind me. My hands trembled as I picked up my phone and dialed Zac's number. Tears streamed down my face, and my voice shook as I recounted what had happened.

"Zac," I sobbed when he answered. "Kamel... he attacked me."

"What? Nora, are you okay? Where are you?" Zac's voice was filled with concern.

"I'm home," I managed to say between sobs. "I came directly to my room. I completely ignored my parents and sisters. I don't want to leave my bed."

"Who is Kamel?" Zac asked, his voice filled with confusion and worry.

"He's my ex," I explained. "He was abusive, and when he saw my success and our growing closeness, he got jealous and attacked me."

"I'm taking my jet. I'll be there as soon as I can. Stay in your room and try to stay calm. You're not alone in this," Zac assured me.

Hours later, there was a soft knock on my bedroom door. I opened it to find Zac standing there, his expression a mix of worry and relief. He hugged me gently, careful not to touch my bruises. My parents, who had been hovering nearby, approached us.

"What happened?" my mom asked Zac, her voice trembling.

Zac explained briefly, and my mom quickly handed him a tray with herbal tea and a bowl of harira. "Take this to her," she said, her eyes filled with concern.

Zac went upstairs to my room and when he saw me still crying, he quickly put the tray on my desk and came to me. "It's going to be okay, Nora," he whispered, pressing soft kisses to my forehead. "I'm here for you. You're safe now."

I clung to him, feeling a sense of security and solace I hadn't felt in a long time. Zac continued to whisper sweet words, reassuring me that everything would be fine. His kindness and care melted my fear, replacing it with hope and a budding sense of peace.

"I was so scared," I said, my voice trembling. "He attacked me, and I didn't know what to do. My neighbors called the police, and he was arrested. But what if he comes back?"

"He won't," Zac assured me. "We'll make sure you're safe. I can arrange for a bodyguard if you'd like."

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with his support. "Thank you, Zac. Just having you here makes me feel safer."

"I'm here for you, always," he said, his voice soft but resolute. "You're not alone in this."

Before we went to sleep, Zac accompanied me to the bathroom to clean the wound on my lip. He was gentle and careful, his touch soothing the pain. Afterward, as the night deepened, Zac prepared to leave.

"Please, don't go," I blurted out. "Can you stay with me tonight? I don't want to sleep alone after what happened."

Zac looked at me with understanding. "Of course, I can stay. Do you mind if I sleep topless and in my boxers? That's how I'm most comfortable."

I blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "No, I don't mind," I replied softly.

Zac took off his clothes, leaving him in just his boxers. He looked at me with concern. "Before we go to sleep, we need to clean your wound," he said gently.

He accompanied me to the bathroom, where he carefully cleaned the cut on my lip. As he worked, I stared into his blue eyes, finding a sense of calm and reassurance there. His touch was gentle and soothing, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me as he took care of me.

Once the wound was clean, we returned to my room. Zac climbed into bed beside me, his presence a comforting shield against the lingering fear. We cuddled close, his warmth and care making me feel safe.

He gave me a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Goodnight, Nora," he whispered.

"Goodnight, Zac," I replied, feeling safe in his arms. As we drifted off to sleep, the weight of the day's events began to lift, replaced by the comforting thought that I wasn't alone.

 As we drifted off to sleep, the weight of the day's events began to lift, replaced by the comforting thought that I wasn't alone

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Kamel, the abusive ex

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