Against The Tide

93: A Prisoner Of The Past

Longg chapter 😌🥰🥂

Don't forget to vote and comment, it doesn't hurt ☺️💕

•

Najah felt a flutter of nerves as Fahad pulled into the driveway of his parents' mansion. The mansion was grand, far grander than anything she'd imagined. She knew he was rich but she didn't know it was to that extent.

Najah felt nervous about meeting them because she wasn't sure if they would like her, especially since she had been married before, but Fahad reassured her that they were good people. He painted a picture of a loving, accepting family, but she could only hope it was true.

As they stepped into the house, the warmth of the welcome was immediate.

Mahira, Fahad's older, married sister was effusive, showering her with all sorts of compliments. She made Najah feel welcomed.

Fahad's parents were polite, yet distant. Their questions were so formal that Najah couldn't help but squirm a little in her seat. It was quite obvious that they were strict... Or they just didn't like her at first sight. Najah low-key felt they were judging her silently.

Emaan, Fahad's younger sister was a beauty to behold, her striking features a mirror image of her brother's. Mahira was the only one who looked different..

As the conversation flowed among Fahad's siblings and Najah, she began to feel a little comfortable, especially with Mahira's kids. However, a subtle shift in the atmosphere happened when Jameel's parents excused themselves, leaving the younger generation alone.

Emaan leaned in, her voice hushed, and her eyes filled with curiosity. "I was really surprised when my brother told me about you," she said, her voice dripping with a mysterious undertone. "It's shocking, actually."

Najah's heart raced in her chest. What was she implying? The words sounded so innocent but Najah sensed a hidden meaning behind the words. There was something suspicious about the way she said it. "Why?" She managed to ask.

Emaan paused for a split second, confusion written all over her face. "Has he not told you about..." she began but before she could finish her sentence, Fahad's voice cut through the air.

"Emaan!" He shouted, his face flushed with anger. "Please get Najah a glass of water," he added, his voice softening.

Najah was left perplexed. What was Emaan trying to say? Was Fahad keeping a secret from her?

Najah wanted to ask him about it there and then but she knew it wasn't the time or place.

As the day drew to a close, Najah said her goodbyes to Fahad's family. Emaan never returned so Najah asked Mahira to extend her regards.

Throughout the drive to Najah's place, she didn't say a word to Fahad because her mind was consumed with Emaan's words. She patiently waited for him to explain himself but he never did.

"We've arrived!" He announced, pulling up to her house.

Najah looked out of the window, realizing that they had indeed gotten to her place. She unfastened her belt and was about to leave the car, but she stopped and looked at him. "Emaan said something..." Her voice trailed. "What did she mean?"

"Oh, that?" Fahad chuckled nervously. "She was just surprised that I'd finally shown interest in someone. Even my parents and Mahira were shocked. They probably thought I was going to be a bachelor for the rest of my life."

Najah hummed, unconvinced. There was something more to it. Something he wasn't telling her. But what it was, she didn't know. "I see," she replied, her voice flat.