DARK HORSE: REDEMPTION

Dark Horse : 10

For a moment, Khalil faltered. Surprised by Hauwa's sudden hug, he took a moment to process what happened before gently prying her away. Although his eyes sent a subtle warning, but Hauwa merely grinned, unfazed.

The room fell silent, with all eyes on the awkward exchange. Khalil's gaze swept the space, seeing the girls' surprised expressions. His eyes finally settled on Tasnim, who stood still, her face a stoic mask.

Tasnim couldn't explain why, but seeing Hauwa hug Khalil pierced her heart like a tender wound. The intimate gesture stirred an unsettling sense of possession. What right did Hauwa have to wrap her arms around Khalil, to rest her head on his chest? The thought unsettled Tasnim, igniting a flicker of pain.

Tasnim knew she shouldn't feel this way. She wasn't in love with Khalil. But, he is still her husband. She'd accepted to stay with him despite it not being her wish, only for him to go around hugging girls, cousin or not, Hauwa isn't his mahram. If he is used to hugging his cousins. She wouldn't tolerate that.

Tasnim's gaze locked onto Khalil, her expression serene but resolute. She wouldn't confront him now, surrounded by others. But soon, they would have a conversation.

Tasnim's voice broke the silence.

" Zainab, let's go," she said softly.

Zainab, lost in thought, snapped back to reality. Her mind still reeled from Hauwa's bold gesture. They are always cautious when it comes to their cousin relationships, making Hauwa's sudden hug startling. Khalil's friendly behavior toward Hauwa wasn't something new, but physical affection was unusual.

Troubling thoughts formed in Zainab's mind. Did Hauwa intentionally try to provoke Tasnim? Was this a subtle claim on Khalil's affection.

Zainab's gaze darted to Tasnim, whose expression remained stoic, her face was a mask, revealing nothing. Before shifting her attention to Hauwa, Zainab found Hauwa wearing a triumphant smile, her eyes fixed on Tasnim with an air of satisfaction.

Tasnim, oblivious to the Hauwa's smile, strode toward the exit, her eyes fixed ahead, intentionally ignoring Khalil.

As she reached the threshold, Khalil quickly closed the distance, his hand enveloped her wrist. In one fluid motion, he drew her into his embrace, his arm wrapping around her waist, securing her against his chest.

Tasnim's eyes widened as her head collided with his solid torso, the sudden impact sending a jolt of pain through her. She winced, her lips parting in surprise.

"Excuse us," Khalil requested, his authority masked in his signature soft tone.

"Oh oh" Amal murmured, as the girls quickly filed out of the room, sensing the tension.

Khalil's gaze then locked onto Hauwa, who lingered beside him, her pout evident.

"Hauwa, leave " he said, his patience wearing thin, a hint of controlled anger simmering beneath the surface.

Hauwa's eyes flashed with defiance, but she knew better than to test Khalil's limits. With a huff, she spun on her heel and followed the girls out.

The door closed behind her with a bang, leaving Khalil and Tasnim alone, the air thick with unspoken words.

Khalil's gaze roamed her face, searching for answers, his expression softening as he took in her tightly controlled emotions. He sighed, his breath whispering against her skin.

"Are you okay?" Khalil asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Did I say I'm not okay? "  Tasnim's response was laced with sarcasm as she scoffed under her breath.