Whispers Of The Shadows-The UNKNOWN

Beneath the strom

Zahra arrived at her father’s house, her heart heavy but determined. She had to put some distance between herself and everything—especially Gabriel. The turmoil inside her was consuming, and she knew she needed a break, even if it was just for a short while.

Her father greeted her with a warm smile, but his expression faltered when he noticed the tension in her face. “Zahra, what’s wrong? You look... troubled.”

She forced a smile, masking the whirlwind of emotions inside her. “I’ve just been really overwhelmed lately, Dad. I need some time to clear my head.” She hesitated, unsure how much she should reveal. After a moment, she continued, her voice steady. “I’m thinking of going abroad for a while, just for some fresh air and a change of scenery.”

Her father looked concerned, but he didn’t question her further. He had always supported her decisions, even when he didn’t fully understand them. “I understand, sweetheart. But what about the company? You’ve got a lot on your plate.”

Zahra looked at him, her gaze firm. “That’s why I came here. I trust you, Dad. Can you take care of things for me while I’m gone? Just make sure everything runs smoothly. I’ll be back soon.”

Her father seemed to relax a little, nodding. “Of course, Zahra. You don’t need to worry about that. Go and take care of yourself. I’ll handle everything here.”

Zahra smiled at him, a small, genuine smile. “Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate it.”

She stood up, her mind already racing with the plan. Before leaving, she walked over to her father’s drawer, where she kept some personal belongings. She opened it and slipped off the delicate bracelet Gabriel had given her, the one that once felt like a promise, a token of his control.

With a steady hand, she placed the bracelet in the drawer, hidden under a few papers, where Gabriel would never find it. She didn’t want him tracking her down, didn’t want him to know where she was going.

As she stepped away from the drawer, her chest tightened, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside. She needed this. She needed the space, the freedom.

“I’ll be back soon, Dad,” she said, giving him one last smile before walking out the door.

Her father, still unaware of the storm brewing in her life, gave her a reassuring nod. “Take care of yourself, Zahra.”

Zahra didn’t look back as she left, the weight of the bracelet now off her wrist, a symbol of the life she was trying to escape, if only for a little while. As she drove away from her father’s house, she felt the knot in her chest loosen ever so slightly, the first bit of relief she had felt in days.

She needed to find herself again. And Gabriel wouldn’t be a part of that journey—at least, not for now.

Zahra’s resolve was firm as she made her way to the small, private airport located far from the city. She had planned every detail, ensuring her escape remained hidden from everyone—especially Gabriel. She was done, at least for now, with the life she had built around him, and she needed a place where she could clear her mind, away from prying eyes.

Once at the airport, Zahra quickly made her way through the terminal, her face concealed by a dark scarf and sunglasses. She moved with purpose, her heart beating in rhythm with her steps. No one would recognize her here. She was careful, blending in with the small group of passengers preparing to board private flights.

The plane waiting for her was small, a quiet, unmarked jet that would take her directly to her secluded house. This house was hers alone—a place so remote that it was nearly impossible to trace. Deep inside the countryside, it had been her secret escape for years. A place she had never shared with anyone, not even her closest friends.