In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 41: Silent Rage

Please VOTE and comment your opinions!!

-------

Ibrahim stood in the warehouse, fury seething beneath his calm, cold exterior. His men shuffled nervously, too afraid to meet his piercing gaze. There was an intensity in his stance, a ruthlessness that promised retribution. The attacks had escalated, and the betrayal—whoever was responsible—would pay with blood.

"I want answers, and I want them now!" His voice echoed through the vast warehouse, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present. He clenched his jaw, his knuckles white as he slammed his fist onto the table, scattering documents and maps.

The room remained silent, no one daring to speak. Ibrahim's eyes narrowed, and he took a threatening step forward, scanning the faces of his closest men. "You're all here because you've earned my trust," he hissed. "But right now, trust is the very thing being shattered. If I find even a shadow of disloyalty—" He stopped, letting the silence fill in the rest. "that will the last day of your life"

As the meeting wrapped up, Ibrahim's mind turned to Zara. Despite the chaos, his concern for her safety loomed like a shadow. He tightened security around their home, deploying guards at every possible entry point, all while his mind lingered on her, his only weakness.

--------------
Meanwhile at home,

Zara paced frantically in her room, her fingers tangling in her hair as waves of regret and anger churned within her. "How could I have been so blind?" she thought bitterly, her mind echoing with shame. The memory of Isabella's mocking smile haunted her, a constant reminder of her misplaced trust. Her heart ached as she thought about Ibrahim—the love he had shown her, the sacrifices he'd made, and the loyalty she had betrayed.

The sound of the bedroom door opening snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts, and she turned to see Ibrahim stride into the room. His face was tense, his expression guarded as he immediately walked over and wrapped his arms around her. His hold was tight, as if he feared she might slip away. Zara's heart fluttered with both relief and a heavy guilt.

"Ibrahim..." she whispered, but he held her tighter.

"What's wrong?" she asked, sensing the tension in his grip.

Ibrahim pulled back, forcing a reassuring smile. "Nothing, love," he replied, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Just some work. Don't worry yourself about it."

The reassurance did little to calm her. She watched as he walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Alone, Zara sank onto the bed, burying her face in her hands as tears rolled down her cheeks. The weight of her betrayal felt unbearable, the guilt gnawing at her.

Moments later, Ibrahim stepped out, his hair damp from the shower. Zara quickly wiped away her tears, forcing herself to look up and smile as if nothing were wrong. His eyes softened as he approached, and he reached out, placing a hand on her cheek.

"I've arranged for additional security around the house. Please don't go anywhere without telling me, okay?" he told her. She nodded but her pulse quickened, worry flashing in her eyes. "Is the situation really that bad?" she asked, trying to mask her fear.

Ibrahim shrugged, his face calm. "It's just a precaution, Zara. I want you safe." He leaned in and kissed her forehead, and a warmth filled her chest despite the storm within her. But just then, his phone rang, and he excused himself, giving her one last reassuring smile before heading out to the garden to take the call.

As he stepped out, Zara's eyes followed him. Her guilt urged her forward, and before she knew it, she had slipped silently to the window, where she could just hear his voice.

"They're coming for us," Ibrahim's voice was fierce, low and controlled but laced with anger. "We need to act fast. This was constantly their third attack. They've already done significant damage to our shipments, but I won't let it happen again. Track any lead that can bring us to them. And remember, my wife's safety is the topmost priority. Move quickly and prepare for war."

Zara's heart sank, each word driving her deeper into despair. "I did this," she realized, clenching her fists as remorse and anger took hold of her.

She turned from the window, fury filling her eyes. Without a second thought, she stormed back to her room, slamming the door and locking it. She reached for her phone.

Isabella answered on the first ring, her voice dripping with mockery. "Zara, dear. I was wondering when you'd call."

"Isabella, stop this now!" Zara's voice shook with rage, her eyes blazing as she gripped the phone tightly. "I was stupid enough to do everything you told me—to believe you over my own husband. But if anything happens to him, I swear, I'll come for you."

Isabella laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Oh, Zara, sweet Zara. What did you expect? You can't stop this now. You're in too deep."

Zara's jaw clenched. "This isn't a game, Isabella. I swear I'll not spare you. If you want to keep me out of your mess, then you have to stop."

"Want it to stop?" Isabella sneered. "Come and make me stop, I'm sending you location. But I promise you, you are too fragile and weak. You can't possibly do anything to stop this." The line went dead, leaving Zara with a sense of dread that clawed at her heart.

Determination flared in her eyes. If Isabella thought she could manipulate her, then she was about to be proven wrong.

Just then, there was a knock on her door. She opened it to see Ibrahim, his expression softening as he looked at her. "Why did you lock the door?" he asked, concern shadowing his eyes.

"I just needed a moment alone," Zara said quietly, her face pale.

He cupped her face in his hands, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "Are you alright?" he asked, his thumb brushing her cheek gently.

She nodded, her heart heavy with everything she couldn't say. "Just... take care of yourself, okay?" she murmured, trying to ignore the sting in her eyes.

"I've arranged for extra security, Zara," he reminded her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "There are guards outside for your safety, so don't leave the house." His expression turned serious. "I don't want you out there. It's too dangerous right now."

As he began to turn, he glanced back. "And please, don't wait for me at dinner. I might be late."

Her resolve crumbled as she know why would he be late and she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him. "Promise me... promise me you'll be safe," she whispered against his chest.

"I will," he promised, stroking her hair gently.

After he left, Zara's heart pounded with a new sense of determination. She knew she had to end this. Without another thought, she slipped into her closet, pulling out her black t-shirt, trousers, cap, and mask. She grabbed one of Ibrahim's black hoodies, concealing her identity entirely.

In the quiet of the room, she made her way to Ibrahim's armory, her fingers tracing over the guns mounted on the wall. She selected the two that felt most familiar guns in her hands, she loaded them with bullets and tucked them into her holster.

The house was guarded at every entrance, and leaving unnoticed was nearly impossible. But Zara had a plan. She headed to the basement, her footsteps silent, her heart racing. There was a small washroom window in the basement, which she know there will be no guards outside of it. 

With one final, steadying breath, Zara climbed through, landing on the ground outside the house. Her mind was set—she was going to face Isabella herself and make her stop, even if it meant risking everything.

________________

Please do like and vote for my story if you like this chapter! Also, do comments about your opinion on the characters.💖