In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 3: The Encounter

Zara woke up in her new room, feeling disoriented and overwhelmed by the events of the previous day. She barely had time to process her sudden marriage to Ibrahim Kardar, a man who was both her savior and a terrifying stranger. The knock on her door startled her.

"Ma'am, please get ready for breakfast," Nancy, the well-trained personal assistant and skilled bodyguard assigned by Ibrahim, called out. "Sir has ordered me to take you shopping afterward."

"I don't want to go," Zara replied, her voice shaky.

"I understand, but sir has strictly ordered it," Nancy insisted gently before leaving.

Zara sighed, washed her face, and got dressed. She made her way downstairs, where a lavish breakfast spread awaited her. She looked around for Ibrahim but only saw numerous servants bustling about.

"Where is Mr. Ibrahim?" she asked one of the cooks. He didn't respond, but Nancy, standing nearby, answered, "Sir is not at home."

Zara felt a mix of relief and disappointment. She wanted to ask more, but she didn't feel she had the right. After a quiet breakfast, she wrapped a shawl around her head, and they left for shopping.

As they walked through the bustling mall, Zara noticed several muscular guards following her. She turned to Nancy, "Why are there so many guards?" Nancy smiled. "It's for your security, ma'am. Sir insists on it." she explained, guiding her inside.

They entered the mall, and Zara felt a pang of insecurity. The lavish surroundings and beautiful people made her feel out of place. Her parents owned a few resorts in Swat, but they never allowed her to enjoy any luxury. She was always a burden to them, an unwanted daughter in a family that prized sons above all.

Her father had pulled her out of school because boys began to chase her, enchanted by her unique beauty. But her parents always made her feel ugly, damaging her self-esteem and confidence. Standing in the mall now, she felt like she didn't belong.

Nancy led her to a high-end boutique, where Zara received unexpected respect due to the guards' presence. Everyone recognized Nancy and welcomed her warmly. Nancy introduced Zara as "Mrs. Ibrahim Kardar." and the respect and deference they showed her were overwhelming.

She felt a strange, intense emotion hearing her married name for the first time. The title gave her a strange sense of belonging she had never known.

Despite her initial discomfort, Zara began to enjoy the experience. She tried on numerous outfits, each more beautiful than the last. Nancy paid for everything, and the guards carried the bags.

As they moved from one shop to another, Zara accidentally bumped into someone. She immediately started apologizing, "Sorry, sorry, sir-"

But when she looked up, she froze, her heart dropped. It was Ahmed, her old best friend who had betrayed her trust and tried to assault her. Fear gripped her.

Ahmed's eyes widened in shock. "Zara? I can't believe it's you. Please, let me explain."

Zara felt a surge of fear and anger. "Leave me alone, Ahmed."

"Zara, listen to me. Please let me explain," Ahmed pleaded.

"Leave me alone," Zara replied, her voice trembling.

She tried to walk away, but he grabbed her shoulder, his grip tight. Her shawl slipped, and her sleeve tore slightly. Before she could react, Ibrahim appeared, his face a mask of fury. He launched at Ahmed with brutal force, punching him relentlessly he knocked Ahmed to the ground. Zara screamed, "No, please stop!"

Ibrahim's rage was unchecked. He pounded Ahmed relentlessly, his fists a blur of motion. "How dare you touch her!" he roared. "You don't deserve to breathe the same air as her."

Zara's cries and pleas went unheard. Desperate, she threw herself between them, holding onto Ibrahim's arm. "Please, stop, I'm begging you! You're going to kill him!" Zara shouted, tears streaming down her face.

Ibrahim didn't relent. "This scum dared to touch you," he growled, his voice icy.

"Please, Ibrahim. I'm begging you. Just stop," Zara cried out again, louder this time and joining her hand.

Ibrahim paused, noticing Zara's tears. His chest heaving with exertion. He looked down at Zara, her tear-streaked face and wide, fearful eyes. Something in him softened, but his anger mingled with a hint of resentment-his own wife was crying for another man.

He composed himself and took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving Zara's face. Finally, he nodded to the guards. "Take him to the hospital. Make sure he never comes near her again," his voice remained hard.

As the guards dragged the unconscious Ahmed away, Ibrahim gently fixed Zara's shawl over her head, his touch firm yet careful. "Let's go home," he said, his voice now cold and detached.

Zara was trembling as they left the mall. She was overwhelmed by the intensity of the encounter, by Ibrahim's ruthless protectiveness.

In the car, Zara felt a mix of relief and fear. She couldn't understand why she felt such intense emotions for a man she barely knew. Ibrahim's presence was overwhelming, his dark aura filling the space between them.

As they arrived home, Ibrahim spoke, his tone still harsh, "You should never let anyone touch you like that again. Understand?"

Zara nodded, unable to find her voice. He looked at her, his green eyes piercing. "You're my wife now. Act like it."

Zara felt a lump in her throat and was was too stunned to respond. She could only nod, her mind racing with the events of the day. Ibrahim's dark, commanding presence was both terrifying and oddly reassuring. He was a man who could be both her savior and her worst nightmare.

As she entered her room, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life had changed irrevocably, and she had yet to understand what that truly meant.

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