Whispers Of The Shadows-The UNKNOWN

Unraveled ties

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, gently pulling Zahra from her slumber. She stirred, her lashes fluttering as the golden glow warmed the room. Slowly, her eyes opened, adjusting to the sight of Gabriel seated on the sofa, his head bent over some papers, the sharp lines of his face softened in the morning light.

"Gabriel…" she called, her voice weak yet unmistakable.

He immediately looked up, setting his papers aside as he walked toward her. “You’re awake,” he said, his voice calm but attentive. Gently, he helped her sit up against the pillows, fluffing them to make her more comfortable. “How do you feel?”

“I’m hungry,” she murmured, her lips curving into a faint pout. “I want something sweet.”

He raised a brow but didn’t argue. “Sweet? Let’s start with something warm first.”

Before she could protest, Gabriel disappeared into the adjoining room and returned minutes later, carrying a tray with a bowl of steaming soup and a spoon. He set it down carefully, sitting beside her on the edge of the bed.

“Here,” he said, stirring the soup and blowing on the spoonful before bringing it to her lips. “Eat this first. You need something light for your stomach.”

Zahra hesitated, her gaze flickering between him and the spoon, but eventually, she opened her mouth and let him feed her. The warmth of the soup spread through her, soothing and comforting. “It’s good,” she admitted softly.

Gabriel smirked faintly. “Of course it is. I made sure it was perfect.”

“You? Cooking?” she teased, her lips quirking into a small smile despite her fatigue.

He chuckled lowly, his eyes meeting hers. “Don’t get used to it.”

After a few more spoonfuls, he set the empty bowl aside and returned with a freshly washed apple. Sitting beside her again, he began slicing it into neat pieces.

“Now you can have something sweet,” he said, holding out a slice to her. “But only this.”

Zahra took the slice, chewing slowly as she watched him. “You’re surprisingly good at taking care of people,” she remarked, her voice soft with an unspoken appreciation.

Gabriel smirked, feeding her another slice. “And you’re surprisingly compliant when you’re sick.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue, a small smile tugging at her lips as they settled into the quiet comfort of the morning.

"Zahra, I need to attend a meeting. It’s urgent,” Gabriel said, adjusting the collar of his coat with practiced precision.

Zahra sat up, watching him intently as he prepared to leave. “When will you be back?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with unease. “And Gabriel… my phone. I still don’t have it. What if I need to contact you?”

He paused, glancing at her. “I had your phone repaired. It’s in the drawer by your bedside,” he said, his tone steady but reassuring. “The guards are stationed outside, and I’ll have one of the housekeepers stay with you while I’m gone. You’ll be fine.”

Gabriel turned back to his coat, slipping it on with a swift motion. Then, as if second-guessing himself, he stopped. Walking toward her, he hesitated for a brief moment before leaning down and wrapping his arms around her in a warm, firm embrace.

Zahra blinked, surprised by the gesture, her breath catching as his warmth enveloped her. He rarely showed such vulnerability, and it left her momentarily speechless.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he murmured near her ear, his voice low, almost gentle.

She nodded against his chest, her hands hovering before finally resting lightly on his back. “Be careful,” she whispered.