The Unwanted Marriage

Chapter 35

~ Man in Love ~

Zayd's POV

I know I've made so many mistakes. My first mistake was bringing my past into the present, comparing her to that woman—how could I? How could I not see the angel in front of me? How could I not trust her? And worse, how could I hurt her?

Seeing her cry because of me... my heart twists painfully. I have always misunderstood her, always judged her for her piety. Even if she forgives me, how will I ever forgive myself for hurting her to the extent that she left—leaving behind nothing but a note, a vow to never return  And yet, in front of our parents, she behaved as if nothing had happened. She is truly a gem... one that I lost.

She shivered in my arms.

Panic surged through me as I quickly laid her on the bed, rushing to shut the balcony door.

"Amina, what's wrong?" My hands wrapped around her trembling frame. "You're freezing."

I grabbed extra blankets, tucking them securely around her. But she still shivered.

"Your hair is wet," I murmured, noticing her damp dupatta still wrapped around her head. "You should have dried it."

She didn't respond.

"Please, let me dry it for you," I said, my voice laced with concern.

She didn't protest. And right now, her health mattered more than anything.

Gently, I removed her wet dupatta, letting her damp hair spill over the pillow, dark and silky against the pale fabric. My fingers brushed through the strands, and I swallowed hard. Her hair was long, thick, and unbelievably soft, carrying the faint, sweet scent of strawberries. MashaAllah. The word slipped from my lips without thought, as if she were something too precious to behold.

She looked like a dream—so delicate, so breathtakingly beautiful. Her long lashes rested against her cheeks, her smooth and glowing skin. A faint flush colored her face, her tiny nose crinkling slightly as she shivered. But it was her lips that held my gaze—rosy and full, slightly parted, trembling from the cold.

My throat tightened. She was beautiful beyond words

I quickly averted my gaze, picking up a towel and carefully running it through her hair. My fingers threaded through the strands, drying them as gently as possible, afraid of hurting her. She seemed so delicate in this moment, so fragile.

The way she shouted at me today... I've never seen her like that before. She has always been quiet, always obeying me without question. But today, I saw a different side of her—the fire she hides from the world.

I hurt her too much.

Any other girl would have told everyone by now, exposed me for my cruelty. But Amina? She's different.

Mom was right.

She's a gem.

And I was the fool who shattered her.

Suddenly, she winced, her hand pressing over her abdomen.

I noticed immediately. Might be her period pain.

"You're hurting?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. I quickly but gently finished drying her hair, my fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

She didn't answer.

Without a second thought, I lay down beside her small frame, placing my hand over her stomach. It felt so small beneath my palm, too small. A frown creased my brow. Does she even eat properly? The thought unsettled me.