Zaid's POV

Her next words make my heart stop. 'Zaid, he tried to...he nearly raped me.'

I freeze in my seat, staring at her. What did she just say? I can't believe my ears. I always knew that Zara has suffered a lot, she's been through a lot which is why she has changed so much, but never in a million years would I ever think that she.... No.

She's sitting next to me, silent tears running down her face. I will kill him. I don't care if I have to spend the rest of my life in prison, but I will kill him. How can he do this to Zara?!

'Zaid, he killed me from the inside. He ruined me completely. After that night, I had no will to live,' she whispers, looking down into her lap. I've never been so angry in my whole life. I feel many different emotions right now, all stronger than ever before. I feel angry, more angry than I've ever been before. I feel upset and sorry for Zara. I can't believe it. I hope I haven't been treating her badly. I had no idea of what she's been through.

"Zara, I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry, you've been through so much," I say gently to her.

She looks up at me and laughs humourlessly. 'That was also at a party. It was about three weeks after I found him cheating on me. I didn't even want to go to the party, because I was already too upset, but my family, Hafsa, everyone close to me kept telling I should go out and enjoy myself. I had stayed in my room ever since I found him cheating on me, because I was so hurt. I didn't want to go out anywhere, because people kept asking me why my engagement broke. What was I meant to say to them? But finally, I decided that I would go and try to enjoy myself. I had spent far too long sulking after Hamza, trying to find an answer in my mind of why he cheated on me. So, I went to a party with Hafsa. This party was supposed to be for celebrating the end of our time at college.' She laughs again, recalling that night.

"Zara, you don't need to carry on. I don't want to know, I can't see you so upset," I tell her gently. I can't see her like this. I just want to see her with that beautiful smile on her face. I can't see her break down like this.

She looks up at me and gives me a small, pained smile. 'Zaid, what did I do so wrong? I was already so upset and broken, after he had cheated on me. Why did he have to hurt me even more?' More tears spill out of her eyes. She quickly wipes them away.

"You didn't do anything wrong, Zara," I whisper. I don't know what else to say. I'm still in shock after hearing what she went through. That guy doesn't deserve to live. How could he do that to her?

'I shouldn't have gone upstairs that day to find the bathroom. There would obviously have been at least one bathroom downstairs, in that enormous house. If I hadn't gone upstairs, if I hadn't lost my way around the house that night, nothing would have happened,' she cries.

I place my hand on her arm again. "Zara, look at me. It wasn't your fault. He can't hurt you now. He's in jail."

Zara laughs loudly. 'Zaid, I have bad luck with everything. I went to find the bathroom, and I ended up in a spare bedroom. I decided to touch up my makeup, as I was there and I had my purse with me. So, I had just finished touching up my makeup, when I heard the door close behind me.' I feel her shiver.

"Zara-" I start, but she continues to speak. She's recalling everything, she's stuck in the events of that night. She's sitting here next to me, but she isn't listening to me. I don't think she even heard me.

'It was Hamza. He locked the door, and I started to panic. I kept telling him to open the door and let me go. I kept asking him why he's come here now, what he wants with me. I told him to go back to that other girl, but he said he wanted me. He wanted me right at that moment. Zaid...I understood what he meant when he touched me. He...he touched me. Everywhere. With his dirty, filthy hands. Zaid, h-he ripped my dress.' She starts to cry even more, and she clutches my hand hard.

It surprises me, but I hold her hand gently. "Don't cry, Zara. Please. I can't see you like this." Seeing Zara cry so much, seeing her in so much pain hurts me a lot. I don't know why, but my heart constricts with pain when I see all the hurt and tears in her eyes. I want to make everything better for her, but how?

'He ripped my dress, Zaid. He pulled me towards himself, and it hurt. He left marks on my body from holding me so hard, Zaid. I had bruises everywhere. He kissed me, and I felt so dirty,' she cries. I can't hear this. I will kill this guy when I see him. He will regret hurting Zara this much. Just let me get my hands on him.

'Zaid, he-he pulled my hair so that I would kiss him back. It hurt so much! He was just so big, and I was tiny compared to him. I tried to push him away, I tried to kick him, punch him, but he was just too strong,' she sobs. I close my eyes, not being able to look at her. She's broken down completely. I sit closer to her, rubbing the back of her hand with my thumb, trying to calm her down. But it's not working.

"Shh, baby. Shh, he's not here now. He can't hurt you. I will keep you safe, always," I promise. I open my eyes and look at her. She's just looking forward, in thought.

'I wouldn't respond to his kisses and his touch, so he hurt me even more. He hit me. The way he touched me, Zaid, I felt so....dirty. I felt disgusting. I was unable to do anything, because I was too weak. After fighting, I just gave up. I completely lost hope, I thought that's it, I'm finished. I thought my life was over. I felt like I had no purpose to live. He used me. Why did he touch me like that? Why did he... He was about to....he nearly....I got saved at the last second, Zaid. That other guy saved my life.'

I frown, confused. What other guy?

'Just as Hamza was about to...the door slammed open. I thought Hamza had locked that door, but that guy broke the lock. He came running to us, he fought with Hamza, left him all bloody and broken. He came to me, offered me his hand so I could get up, but I flinched. I didn't want anyone to touch me in any way. I was thankful to that other guy for saving me, for saving my life, but I didn't let him help me up. Hafsa finally reached the room, and she was shocked. She started crying, seeing me in that state. That guy called the police, who came and arrested Hamza,' Zara says quietly.

I feel so thankful for that guy who reached Zara just on time, and saved her. If it wasn't for him, Hamza would have finished off what he came for. "Who was that guy, Zara? The one who saved you?" I ask her. Why am I feeling jealous? I should be happy that he saved Zara. I am happy, but at the same time, I'm thinking why wasn't it me instead who saved her? Yeah, I'm going crazy.

She finally looks at me, and shakes her head. 'I have no idea. I hadn't ever seen him before, and I haven't seen him ever since. I do want to, though. I want to thank him properly. Zaid, if it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't be here right now. It felt as though he came as my guardian angel.'

Zaid, stop feeling jealous at a time like this. He saved Zara's life. He saved her.

She wipes her tears away and looks up at me, giving me a small smile. I realise that I'm still holding her hand, so I let go. Suddenly, my hand starts to feel cold and empty.

'Zaid, I'm so sorry for crying this much,' she whispers, looking down onto her lap.

"Zara, you don't need to apologise. I really had no idea that you've been through so much. I'm so sorry. If there's anything I can do to help you, just tell me. I will do anything, because I can't see you so upset," I tell her. She blushes, making me smile. Even at a time like this, Zara is blushing. She's crazy.

She shakes her head. 'No one can do anything to help me, only time will heal everything. I was forgetting everything, Zaid. I was forgetting everything he did to me.'

I give her a small smile. "Good. I know how difficult it must be for you, only you can understand fully what you've been through, but please try to forget everything. He's now locked up, Zara. He can't hurt you now. You're safe."

Zara looks at me, fear evident in her beautiful eyes. She shakes her head. 'I'm not safe, Zaid. I thought I was, I was finally starting to forget, but I'm not safe anymore. He's back.'

"What do you mean he's back?" I ask, confused. I remember the parcel he had sent Zara. How did he send her that?

'He's out of jail,' Zara whispers.

"What?! How is that possible? It's not possible that he's out of jail so soon! Zara, what are you saying?!" I ask, shocked.

'Zaid, he's out of jail. He's back, for me. He's made it clear that he still wants me, and I know he will do what it takes to get me.' She looks terrified.

Zara explains to me that Hamza is back, and he has started sending her texts from a hidden number. She shows me the texts, which thankfully, she hasn't deleted. I can't believe it. How is he out of jail so soon?! He got arrested for attempted rape! How is he out so soon?

When Zara tells me about the text she got this morning from Hamza, I am even more shocked. How did he know what she's wearing?! Has he planted cameras around her house? In her bedroom? In her bathroom?! I will kill this guy if it is the last thing I do. I will kill him with my bare hands. He doesn't deserve to live. I don't understand how people can be so disgusting, so sick.

"Zara, why didn't you tell me this earlier?! Do you have any idea how dangerous this all is? You're not safe at any time, Zara! It's obvious that he has planted cameras around your house, so he has been inside your house at a time when no one was at home! That also explains how he got hold of your photo album. Zara, I think we should inform the police. You even have evidence. These texts." I tell her seriously. She's playing with fire, and she will get burned badly if she doesn't tell the police.

She shakes her head. 'This is why I didn't want to tell you, Zaid! This is why I didn't want to tell anyone. I don't want to inform the police, what will they do? Arrest him and lock him up? Really? So he will just sit in prison and relax? Chill out? I don't want that. I want him to hurt worse than he hurt me, and the police can't do that. Zaid, I need my answers, and I need my revenge. It's up to you whether or not you choose to help me.'

Is she crazy? "Zara, I understand. I really do understand, but he's dangerous. He's extremely dangerous. Even you are aware that he has come to finish off what he started." She flinches when I say that. I feel bad for saying it, but it's true.

'I know, but I won't let that happen. I'm not weak,' she mutters.

I roll my eyes. "Do you really think he will stop if you tell him to? He can come to you whenever he wants! He knows where you are at all times, Zara. You're not safe even in your own home! I don't want to see you get hurt again."

'I won't get hurt, Zaid. I'm sure of it. I'm not safe in my own home, I'm aware. Every second of everyday now, I feel so afraid. I feel like I'm being watched at all times, because I am. Zaid, I don't want to fall asleep at night, because I'm so scared. He sees everything I do. Zaid, what am I supposed to do? You tell me,' she says, tears filling her eyes again.

I gently place a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "Zara, I will keep you safe. I promise you."

She shakes her head vigorously. 'Zaid, you are NOT using your bodyguards to protect me. I don't want it. I know they would be able to protect me, but Hamza would obviously find out. And then he'd know that I've told you everything. Zaid, if he finds out that you know everything, he will try to hurt you, too. I wouldn't ever be able to forgive myself if anything happened to you,' she whispers.

I can't help but smile. She's such a crazy girl. Crazy, but amazing. She should be worrying about herself, but here she is, worrying about me. "Zara, don't worry about me. He can't do anything to me. And I wasn't talking about my bodyguards, because I will keep you safe myself."

She laughs, making me smile again. 'I'm sure you have better things to do, Zaid.'

No, I don't. The most important thing for me right now is to keep Zara safe.

I shake my head. "I will keep you safe, Zara. I promise."

She laughs again. 'At work, you can keep me safe, but what about when I'm at home? Are you planning on moving into my house or something?' She asks, joking.

I smirk. "Well, Zara, is that what you want?" I ask, joking with her.

A faint blush creeps onto her cheeks. I grin. 'You're crazy!' She says, a small smile playing on her lips. I'm glad she's smiling now. I can't see her hurt and upset. She deserves to be happy, always.

"Oh baby, yes I am," I say, winking at her. This causes her to again blush deep scarlet. She's beautiful. She has no idea how beautiful she is, without trying. Other girls try way too hard, and they still can't match her beauty. Because she is beautiful also on the inside. She's broken, but I will help her. I will help heal all her wounds.

'Zaid, I'm scared,' she admits, looking upset.

"Zara, look at me." I say to her. She looks up at me. "I will keep you safe, at all times. You don't need to feel scared, because I won't let him reach you. I'm here for you, always."

She gives me a small smile. 'Thank you so, so much, Zaid. You really are an amazing guy. I trust you. You know, I've been thinking something. Something I think may benefit me. It would help me to forget Hamza, and it would also keep me safe from him,' she says to me slowly.

I arch a brow at her and nod. "And what is this, Zara? What have you been thinking? It must be something crazy," I joke. I drink a sip of water from the glass on the table.

'I think I should get married,' she says, speaking with certainty.

I burst into a coughing fit, choking on the water I'm drinking. What is she saying? She wants to get married? Is she in her right state of mind? Only a few weeks ago, Hafsa mentioned marriage to her, and she flinched at the name of marriage.

When I finally recover from my coughing fit, I look at Zara incredulously. "Zara, what do you mean? What are you saying?" I ask her, shocked. Does she really want to get married? I don't like the idea of her getting married so soon.

'I mean I should get married. My future husband would be able to protect me at all times and keep me safe, and if I fell in love with him, which usually does happen after marriage, I would forget about Hamza and everything he did to me,' she says clearly. Then she gives me a smile, which I don't return.

"I understand what you mean, as your husband would be able to keep you safe at all times, but is this really what you want, Zara? I can't tell if you're being serious or not."

She nods, and I can tell that she's serious about the idea. 'I was thinking of telling my parents that I don't mind getting married soon. They'll also be surprised like you, I'm sure, but I honestly think that it can help me,' she speaks.

She's being completely serious. Why do I not like this idea at all? I don't feel great at all, after hearing this. Zara getting married... No. She can't. I mean, she's only in her first year of university.

"Zara, you're in your first year of university," I tell her.

She chuckles, surprising me. 'I'm aware, Zaid. So what, though? So what if I am? I think it's completely possible and fine to study after marriage. Don't you agree?'

"Of course I agree! But, you can't get married," I tell her.

She raises an eyebrow. 'Why can't I get married?' She asks me with a laugh.

What am I supposed to say now?! I don't know the answer to that question myself, but I can't even think of Zara getting married anytime soon. I don't want to think about it. She can't get married.

Zara stands up, and so do I. "Because you..you're not ready to get married yet, and I know it."

She frowns at me. 'Zaid, I think I am ready. Anything to forget about Hamza and keep him away from me.'

"Yes, maybe you would forget about Hamza, but would you really be able to marry someone you don't love?" I ask her. Yes, good question, Zaid.

Zara laughs, looking into my eyes. 'Zaid, you know what I'm like. I won't love anyone before marriage. I will only love my future husband.'

"Zara, you can't. Just listen to me, okay? You can't get married!" I say, feeling restless and extremely worried now. She's being serious about getting married, and she can't. She just can't.

She looks really confused. I'm also confused, I don't know why, but I really don't want to think about this. 'Oh. Zaid, I know you're protective of me because I'm Hafsa's best friend, but you don't need to worry! I honestly want this, and I will be happy when I get married!'

What?! She thinks I'm protective of her because she's Hafsa's best friend? That is not the reason why I'm protective of her! What is the reason, though?

She speaks again, now she looks slightly hurt. 'Zaid, I thought you would be happy to hear this. That I'm ready to get married, and I want to get married soon. You definitely didn't react the way I thought you would!'

I stare at her. I'm sorry for speaking this harshly to her, but what am I meant to do? She won't listen to me! She can't get married. I can't think of Zara with any guy...

"I'm sorry, Zara. If this will make you happy, then get married. You deserve the best guy in the world," I tell her softly. She deserves the best in life. She deserves someone who will give her so much love and happiness. I will try to be happy for her, even though it still feels like I'm being stabbed continuously. I feel hurt.

She smiles widely. 'Zaid, thank you so much! I knew you would support me in this, I'm thinking of how happy Hafsa will be when I tell her I want to get married soon! My parents too! You know what?! Whenever my wedding will be fixed, you have to help choose the sherwani of my future husband, okay? Because I have to admit that your style is great! Will you help?'

What?!?! Now she wants me to help choose her future husband's wedding sherwani? Is she crazy or what?! I will hate that guy with my guts. I can't even think of her marrying someone else.

What?! You've definitely gone crazy, Zaid. What do you mean you can't think of her marrying someone else?!

I nod slowly. Zara grins. "You're the best, you know that?!" Her grin makes me chuckle, but I've never felt so upset in my entire life. I feel like my heart has broken into two.

'Yes, Zara. I know that.'

She shakes her head and laughs. God, she's beautiful.

"Okay, oh god! Zaid, I'm so happy right now! Even though I have no idea yet who the guy will be, I'm still so happy! You need to help me with everything okay?!"

I nod, forcing a smile. Zara grins, running towards me and hugging me. I definitely wasn't expecting that. She hugs me tight. "You're the best!" She says, putting her arms around me.

I slowly hug her back, placing one hand on her hair and the other on the small of her back. Shit, Zaid. You're a goner. Zara smells sweet and fruity, just as I knew. She feels amazing. I feel my heart race. I've never felt this way before, it's weird but definitely a good feeling. It's a very good feeling. I never want this girl to get out of my sight. I want to keep her safe from the whole world, and I always want to keep her this close.

She slowly breaks the hug, and I feel empty and lonely. Just as I knew, she's blushing crazily. I smile. "I'm sorry, I just...I don't know why I did that. You really are an amazing guy."

How did she get so beautiful and so perfect?

'I'm always here for you, Zara. Remember that,' I say, looking into her eyes. She smiles, nodding.

"I know, Zaid," she replies, her eyes sparkling. I smile at her again, running a hand through my hair. I'm a goner. I never thought in my entire life that this would happen to me, that there would be a girl who would make my heart race like this, who would make me want to do anything at all in the whole world to keep her safe and happy, who would make me crazy. I've lost my mind completely.

Will I be able to keep my heart safe before I lose that too?

********

🙈🙈 What's happening, guys? What's happening to Zaid?! He doesn't want Zara to get married - why?! He really has lost his mind, hasn't he?! 😉

I hope you've all been well, happy new year to all of you guys! I hope this year brings you all the happiness, love and peace in the world! What did you think of this chapter? The first part of this chapter was quite sad.. What did you think of what happened to Zara?

And honestly, what's up with Zaid?! Why is he behaving so weirdly?! I love him so much, he's crazy!

And I love you all loads and loads! Thank you so much for reading my book and supporting me always, don't forget to vote and comment if you liked this chapter! Let me know your thoughts, guys! Keep reading! ❤️ x