Revenge Marriage

Chapter 10

**Alishba's POV**

"Leave me... Please leave me... Don't touch me... Leave me!"

I feel someone's hands on my arm, rubbing up and down. I want to push away, but I'm too exhausted. It's like I can't move.

"Alishba..." I hear my name, his voice strained and raw, calling out to me.

The hands that were caressing me are now shaking me. I can feel his panic, his desperation in every motion. I open my eyes, struggling to focus. Sweat covers my body, and my heartbeat races like it's going to burst out of my chest. My vision is blurry, but I can make out the worried face of Zayan. His eyes are filled with concern as he gently touches me, his hand trembling slightly as if he's scared of hurting me.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" I mumble, my voice cracking from the dryness in my throat.

Zayan's face tightens, and he looks at me as if I've just said the most unbelievable thing. His eyes narrow, disbelief flickering across his features.

"Alishba... am I okay? You're the one who's not okay. You were screaming in your sleep, you're drenched in sweat, and you're shaking like you've seen a ghost."

I glance at myself. I feel the shivers running through my body, but it's not from the cold. No, it's from the fear, the panic that has been simmering inside me for days.

"Were you dreaming?" Zayan asks, his voice softening. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Was I dreaming? I don't know. I don't remember. If it affected me like this, shouldn't I remember?

I wipe my face with my hands, trying to steady my breathing, and I look into Zayan's eyes. He's still staring at me, his concern evident, but I'm not sure if I want his comfort. Not after everything.

Before I can respond, my phone rings loudly, cutting the tension. My heart skips when I see the caller ID.

"My phone..." I mutter, trying to reach for it.

Zayan already has it in his hand, looking at the screen. His brows furrow when he sees who it is.

"It's Rafe."

"Rafe?" I ask, frowning. "Why is he calling me?"

"I don't know," Zayan replies, then he quickly presses the button to put the call on speaker.

"Put it on speaker," Zayan demands, his voice sharp.

I stare at him, confused. "Why?"

"Stop asking questions. Just do it."

I sigh, annoyed but not in the mood to argue. I press the speaker button and answer the call.

"Hi, Rafe."

"Hi, Alishba. Are you alright? The staff told me everything... you got shot. How are you now? I was so worried," Rafe's voice comes through, frantic but relieved.

"Relax, Rafe. I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

"Thank god... Where is that fucking idiot?" Rafe's voice shifts, frustration lacing his tone.

Before I can stop myself, Zayan cuts in, his voice smooth and biting. "Thank you for the compliment."

I press my lips together to keep from laughing, but it's hard. His timing is ridiculous.

"Where the hell is your phone?" Rafe's voice rises again. "I called you a thousand times!"

"Oh, I forgot it in the car," Zayan replies, his tone indifferent.

"I need to talk to you right now," Rafe demands.

"Alright, boss," Zayan mutters.

"Take care, Alishba..." Rafe says, softer now.