Umeed

Chapter 47

As the days passed, Shahzain continued to keep a noticeable distance from Noor. It wasn’t that he ignored her; he still spoke to her with the same gentle care. But there was an underlying hesitation—an invisible boundary he didn’t cross. Where Noor had once rested against him comfortably at night, seeking his warmth and security, Shahzain now seemed reluctant to embrace her. Even the smallest gestures of affection felt strained, replaced by a palpable discomfort that settled heavily between them.

Noor noticed this change and understood the turmoil he was going through. She didn’t question him, knowing that he needed time to process his emotions. She respected his silence and hoped that, in time, things would return to normal.

Everything seemed calm for a while until Noor’s phone buzzed one afternoon. Her heart sank as she saw the message: it was the same video Rania had once shown her, the one she’d tried so hard to forget. Along with the video, there was a message that sent chills down her spine.

“If you don’t want this video leaked, come to [address]. No one else should know. Don’t act smart, Noor, or your children won’t return from school. This video will go public, and everything you’re trying to build will be ruined.”

As if this wasn’t terrifying enough, another video followed. This one showed Ayaan and Hoor locked in a dim room, their small voices crying out in fear, “Mama, help!”

Noor’s blood ran cold. Her children—her most precious treasures—were in danger. Fear clamped around her heart, and her mind raced. Who could she turn to? Shahzain wasn’t home, and the only people in the house were Ayesha and Sarah, Ayesha’s caretaker. She felt utterly alone and vulnerable.

Just as she decided to rush to Ayesha’s room to explain everything, her phone buzzed again with another warning:

“If you don’t want your mother killed, then come to me alone. Don’t go to her unless you want to get her killed.”

Noor glanced around, feeling the suffocating weight of being watched. The walls seemed to close in on her as paranoia gripped her senses. Was someone here, observing her every move? Her skin prickled as fear crept in. She couldn’t think straight. She needed to leave—needed fresh air.

Noor bolted outside, heart pounding, looking around anxiously as she realized she couldn’t leave on foot without drawing attention from the bodyguards. Just then, she spotted Mrs. Firat standing by the gate, bidding farewell to her son, Adeel. A desperate idea crossed her mind: Adeel could drop her off nearby, and from there, she’d take a cab to the address. She’d find a way to reach her children safely without alerting anyone.

Gathering her courage, Noor approached Adeel, forcing a polite smile to hide her panic. “Mr. Firat,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “could you please drop me off at a café nearby? The driver isn’t available, and I’m running late to meet a friend.”

Adeel looked at her with mild concern. “Noor, you look… shaken. Is everything alright?”

Noor struggled to keep her composure. “Oh, I’m fine. Just a little rushed. I’d really appreciate it if you could help.”

He nodded, smiling warmly. “Of course. Let’s get you there.” He led her to the passenger side, and she slid into the seat, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Adeel got into the driver’s seat and started the engine, his eyes glancing at her with a hint of curiosity.

As they drove, Noor couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Anxiety gnawed at her, but she forced herself to stay calm. Yet, as they passed the café she’d mentioned, her stomach twisted in dread.

“Mr. Firat,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady, “I think we missed the café. Could you stop here, please?”

Adeel’s smile twisted, and his eyes held an unsettling gleam. “It’s alright, Noor. I’m taking you exactly where you need to be.”