In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 26: Becoming His

⚠️Triggered warning mature content alert!! 🔞

YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED, READ ON YOUR OWN RISK!!!!

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Ibrahim entered his room, his brows furrowed as he saw Zara sitting there in the dim light in a way that made his heart skip a beat. The soft, romantic glow cast shadows across her face, highlighting the uncertainty in her eyes. Her hair was loose, cascading down her shoulders, and she wore a delicate nightgown, its sheer fabric revealing hints of the lingerie beneath. His confusion deepened as he shut the door behind him, not quite understanding what she was doing there, dressed like this.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice low, but laced with unease.

Zara rose from the bed, her bare feet padding softly against the floor as she moved toward him. There was something different in her tonight-something vulnerable. As she drew nearer, Ibrahim noticed the shimmer of tears in her eyes. She didn't speak immediately, but when she cupped his face in her hands, her fingers trembling slightly, he felt the weight of her emotion.

"Ibrahim..." Her voice was soft, cracking slightly as the tears threatened to spill over. "I want to spend my entire life with you, a happy life. I don't care about our age differences, or what people say. The only thing that matters to me is that you are my husband-and I love you."

Ibrahim stood frozen, his heart tightening in his chest as her words seeped into him. Her eyes searched his, looking for something-anything-that would give her hope.

"I know you don't love me the way I love you. I can feel it," she continued, her voice trembling as she tried to keep herself composed. "But that's okay. All I'm asking for is a place in your life." Her hand drifted to his chest, her palm pressing softly against his heart. "In here. That's all I want."

Zara's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she spoke the next words, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want nothing more in this world than to be your wife in every sense. Please... make me yours."

The silence between them was thick, weighted with her confession. Ibrahim's throat tightened as he watched her, feeling the conflict between his mind and his heart. She was crying now, her vulnerability so raw, so open, it tore at him.

Zara took his hand and placed it over her chest, where her heart beat fast beneath his touch. "My heart beats for you, Ibrahim. I don't want anyone else but you. No one else." She bit her lip, gathering the last of her courage before adding, "Today... you have to make a final decision. I can't take this anymore-seeing you distant from me, like I don't exist."

Her tears fell freely now, and he could see the pain etched into every line of her face. She closed her eyes briefly, as if bracing herself, then opened them again, her determination shining through the vulnerability.

"You don't have to say anything," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm going to kiss you. If you don't want me in your life, then... don't reciprocate, I'll get my answer"

Before he could respond, Zara stood on her toes, pulled him down, and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was tentative, filled with uncertainty and hope. She poured all her emotions into it-her love, her desperation, her fear. She was trembling against him, and he could feel her tears dampening his lips. And yet, he didn't move.

Feeling heartbroken, she lost her last hope and pulled away, her heart heavy with rejection.

Suddenly, something snapped inside Ibrahim, and his hand shot out. His fingers curled around her wrist, pulling her back to him with a swift, determined motion. He didn't speak; instead, he crushed his lips against hers, kissing her with a depth of emotion he had never allowed himself to show. His kiss was fierce, hungry-filled with the emotions he had buried for too long.