In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 28: In His Arms

The next day, Zara and Ibrahim returned from their tranquil weekend at the farmhouse just as the evening sky began to turn amber, casting a soft glow over the driveway. The ride home had been peaceful, filled with comfortable silence and occasional glances exchanged between them. Both of them were at ease, a sense of warmth settling between them like a soft blanket after days of uncertainty. There was no awkwardness, no lingering tension. They were together, truly together, in a way they hadn't been before.

As they stepped inside the house, Ibrahim gently squeezed Zara's hand, giving her a reassuring look before letting go and heading upstairs to his study. Zara, feeling light and content, made her way to her room, eager to unpack and settle back in.

But when she opened the door, her heart stopped. Her room was empty. Confusion washed over her as she glanced around her closet—everything was gone. Panic fluttered in her chest as she rushed out of the room, calling for Nancy. She found her by the kitchen, calmly overseeing the dinner preparations.

"Nancy!" Zara called out, her voice tinged with surprise. "Where... where are my things? My room is empty!"

Nancy turned to her, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Oh, you don't have to worry about that, Zara. Yesterday, sir called and asked us to shift all your belongings to his room."

Zara's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "He—he did?"

Nancy nodded, her smile widening as if she knew exactly what this meant. "Yes, Zara. It was his decision. Everything is in his room now."

The realization hit Zara like a wave. Ibrahim had made this choice. Not because anyone told him to, not because of any external pressure—but because he wanted her there, with him. She didn't wait another second. Without thinking, Zara spun on her heel and rushed upstairs, her heart racing with excitement.

She reached his room and, without knocking, burst through the door. Ibrahim was standing by the window, looking over some documents, but the moment she entered, his head snapped up, surprised by her sudden entrance. Before he could say anything, Zara threw herself into his arms, wrapping herself around him tightly.

Ibrahim stood frozen for a moment, his arms awkwardly hanging by his sides as if unsure what to do. "Zara?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion, but a hint of amusement played on his lips.

Zara didn't let go. She pressed her cheek against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly from the intensity of her emotions. "Thank you for moving my things here... for wanting me here."

Ibrahim finally relaxed, his arms wrapping around her waist in a slow, careful embrace. His initial shock melted away, replaced by a soft smile. "I didn't think it would make you this happy," he said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face as he gazed down at her.

"It means everything to me," she replied earnestly, pulling back slightly to look up into his eyes.

Ibrahim's smile widened, but he shrugged it off nonchalantly, trying to hide the tenderness he felt. "It just feel right," he said, his tone casual as if it hadn't been a significant decision. "You should rest. We've had a long trip."

Zara's eyes shimmered with gratitude, but she knew he didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so she simply smiled and nodded. "Okay, I'll rest."

He kissed the top of her head gently, then stepped back, motioning toward the bed. "Get some sleep."

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The soft rays of morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow on Zara's face. She stretched lazily, her body sinking deeper into the soft mattress beneath her. It took her a moment to remember where she was—to realize that this was no longer her room, but his room. Their room now. Her heart fluttered at the thought, a smile spreading across her lips as she rolled over to find the space beside her empty.