Zaid's POV

Zara is hugging me tight, as if her life depends on it. She's crying her eyes out. It breaks my heart to see her in this state. She doesn't tell me what's wrong, she just continues to cry. I hope she's not in this state because of me. Did I say something wrong? Did I do something?

I hug her back, holding her close but gently. As if she will break. I've fallen so hard for her, and there is nothing I can do to ignore these feelings. I don't want to ignore these feelings. They're stronger than anything I've ever felt before. Zara is way too important for me. It honestly feels like she's the only person who matters right now. I can't see her like this.

'Shh, Zara. Don't cry. I can't see you in this state. What's wrong?' I whisper, trying to comfort her by rubbing her back. She relaxes instantly. I smile.

"Everything's wrong, Zaid. I've lost my mind," she sobs into my chest. Then she adds "It's a good thing I took my makeup off, otherwise your shirt would be dirty."

I chuckle. Even when she's crying so much, she talks about her makeup. A few seconds later, she lifts her head from my chest and moves back, but only a couple of inches. I suddenly feel cold, and empty.

I gently make her sit on the bed, and take a seat next to her. She wipes away the tears on her face, her eyes bloodshot red.

'Zara, tell me, please. What's hurting you so much? You can trust me,' I say gently.

She looks up at me, and her eyes fill with tears again. It hurts me just as much as it hurts her, seeing her like this. I've always known Zara to be a strong girl. She's one of the strongest people I know. She broke down completely today. Something must be very wrong.

She shakes her head, blinking back her tears. "Nothing, Zaid. I'm just being stupid."

I gently place a hand on her forearm. 'It's not nothing if it's hurting you so much. Tell me.'

"I don't know what to say, Zaid. I can't explain it fully to myself," she mutters, looking down into her lap.

'You can tell me anything, Zara. Trust me,' I say, reassuringly.

She gives me a small smile. "Zaid, I could trust you with my life." My heart constricts at her words. She trusts me this much? Hearing her say this makes me so happy.

'I can do anything for you, Zara. Just name it. Anything in the world,' I promise, looking into her eyes.

She blushes. "Are you this cute to every girl? Layla was a lucky girl." My face falls. Can't she see how special she is to me?

'No, just you. Why was Layla lucky?' I feel nothing for Layla now. Nothing at all. I have forgotten her completely, because of Zara.

"Because she had such an amazing, caring guy," Zara says, smiling.

I grin. 'Oh, really?'

She nods seriously.

'Layla was in the past. And I didn't...I didn't love her,' I admit.

Zara's eyes widen. "What? I thought you...I thought you did! She hurt you."

I give her a forced smile. Thinking about my past with Layla doesn't hurt anymore. I feel nothing now.

'She hurt me, but I don't love her. I don't think I ever did,' I say. Back then, I didn't know the meaning of love. I'm ashamed of the guy I used to be. Zara has changed my whole world, though. She's changed me completely.

"Really?" Zara asks, astonished.

I nod. 'She was my longest relationship. I was with her for nearly four months. I've never had anything more than that, I've never wanted anything more before. I'm ashamed of the guy I was back then, Zara,' I admit. I'm ashamed to even speak about it, but I can tell Zara anything. I want to tell her everything.

She smiles. "Zaid, you're no longer that guy. You are the most amazing guy I know. Any girl would be lucky to have you as their partner. You're not that old Zaid anymore. You've changed, completely. Seriously. Ever since you came back from the US, it seems like you're a different person! But it's a good thing," Zara says, in thought.

I smile. Yes. I'm a completely different person now, just because of her. I used to think that I had it so bad, with Layla. That Layla deceiving me was the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone. But after finding out what Zara went through, it seems that what I went through was nothing. Zara got hurt so badly, but she is still the strongest person I know.

'Yes, I guess I have changed quite a lot. I'm happier now,' I tell her.

She smiles. "Good! You deserve to always be happy, Zaid." My heart warms at her words. She's so amazing. I will be the happiest person in the world, when I'm with her.

'So do you, Zara. He hasn't contacted you again, has he?' I ask her. The thought of Hamza stalking Zara infuriates me. I will not let him anywhere near her. I will do whatever it takes to protect Zara. I don't care how dangerous he is. He can try to hurt me, but he can't lay a finger on Zara.

She shakes her head. I breathe a sigh of relief. "No, not really. I mean, he does send me good morning texts from time to time, but that's about it. I hope he doesn't message me again. Zaid, I was forgetting him. I had nearly forgotten everything he did to me, and then he comes back." She looks upset again.

I touch her arm briefly. 'Zara, he can't hurt you again. Not as long as I'm here with you. Okay?' I look into her eyes, searching for an answer.

She looks at me and nods. "Okay."

'Now, off to bed Miss Ahmed! Remember, I'll drag you out of bed if I have to in the morning! Don't sleep in too late!' I joke, winking at her.

She turns a deep shade of scarlet. "You get some sleep too, Zaid. We have another meeting tomorrow." Oh yeah. I completely forgot about the meeting. This is what Zara does to me. She makes me forget everything except herself. I'm not really thinking about the meeting right now, because I'm sure that we will win the deal.

I force myself to get up. I can't stay here all night. I have to go back to my own room and get some sleep, as difficult as that will be, knowing that Zara is in the room right next door.

'Goodnight, Zara. Sweet dreams,' I say, glancing down at her beautiful face.

"Goodnight, Zaid. Try not to dream of me too much," she jokes, setting her bedcovers. I chuckle. Oh, baby. Of course I will. That's if I get to sleep, because I'll be too busy thinking about you.

I leave her room, turning off the light. I enter my room and turn off the lights in my room too, before slipping into bed. I sigh. Zara really has played her magic on me. She has played a spell on me, without knowing it. I'm whipped.

********

Zara's POV

Half an hour has passed, and I'm still awake. I feel excited for some reason. That reason is the fact that Zaid is in the room next to mine. I can't sleep.

I feel so many different emotions right now. I feel annoyed at myself, for breaking down like that, in Zaid's arms. I feel excited, being here with him and spending time with him. I feel confused but also, I feel like I have revealed the biggest truth in my life; that I have fallen for Zaid. I feel happy, due to the feeling I got when he hugged me back like that.

I'm crazy. I am. About forty-five minutes ago, I was crying my eyes out. I had an emotional breakdown, because of the realisation that I had fallen for Zaid. Now, I'm laying in bed with a silly smile on my face, biting my lip.

I keep tossing and turning. I wonder if Zaid has fallen asleep. He must have. He's not crazy like me. What would he be lost in thought about at this time of night?

I check my phone. I reply to texts from Hafsa and Maryam. They've been updating me on what they're doing. They both must be asleep now. It's over 1am.

I text Mum goodnight, before locking my phone and placing it on the bedside table. Zara, you heard what Zaid said. He will drag you out of bed if you don't wake up on time. I'm sure he was joking about that, but would I mind if he did?

Okay, it's bedtime. You can continue daydreaming tomorrow, Zara.

I finally fall asleep, another half an hour later, with the same silly smile on my face.

********

'Zara! Wake up!' I hear a voice, but I ignore it. I've just fallen asleep. I pull the duvet over my face and snuggle under the covers, making myself even more comfortable.

'Zara! I've been calling your name for the past hour! Wake up!' Ugh, can't this person shut up and go away?

"Let me sleep!" I groan, pulling the covers tighter around myself.

I hear the light switch of my room being turned on. I groan, not opening my eyes. I just want to sleep. Some people these days! They don't even let a girl get their beauty sleep.

'That's it. Zara, I'm pulling the covers off you. Wake up!' I can recognise that voice from anywhere. That deep, velvety voice. He has a hot voice. And face. And body, I'm sure. Yeah.

"Go away!" I mumble, snuggling deeper under the covers.

'That's it. I warned you.' I feel the duvet being ripped off me, and cool air hitting my arms and face. Damn you, Zaid Malik.

I open my eyes, glaring at him.

He's standing at my bedside, smirking. That damn smirk.

"Zaid Malik, let me sleep. Otherwise, you'll regret it," I say, shooting daggers at him with my eyes.

'Oh, really? You look quite hot there, I have to say.'

Argh! Damn him! "Zaid, let me sleep."

'No.'

"Zaid! I'm tired! You go back to bed too," I mumble, closing my eyes.

'No. Zara, you are not going back to sleep! Open your eyes!'

I open one eye. He's still standing there at the side of my bed, looking amused.

"Okay. Go and shower, get changed, and then wake me up."

He chuckles. 'Zara, I've showered, and I've changed my clothes. It's 11am.'

My eyes open automatically, widening. "11am?! Why didn't you wake me up?!" I sit up, holding my head in my hands. Stupid guy.

He laughs. 'What else have I been trying to do all morning?! I honestly feel sorry for your future husband. How will he wake you up every morning?!'

I smirk, but cover it up with a cough.

'I knew you were dirty minded.'

I ignore him and step out of the warm, comfortable bed. How I wish it was still early morning, so I could go back to sleep?!

I take a quick shower, and change into my outfit which today is a grey maxi dress. It is fitted from the top, and has three-quarter sleeves. Under the bust, there is a thin silver belt which gives the dress a formal-ish look. The dress is slightly more flowy from the bottom. I really love it, because it is stylish and comfy at the same time.

I go back into my room, and see Zaid sitting at his laptop. He is sitting on my bed. He glances up at me when I walk out of the bathroom, and he gives me a small smile.

'You look lovely, Zara,' he compliments.

I give him a small smile and thank him. I then apply a small amount of makeup, and brush my hair after quickly drying it. I decide to leave my hair loose.

When I'm done, I see that Zaid has put his laptop back into his bag. He stands up. "Ready for breakfast? Or brunch, looking at the time?" He asks.

I nod. We will be having brunch in the restaurant of the hotel. This is one of the largest and best hotels in London, and their restaurant is also great.

We take a lift to the ground floor, and first head to reception, where we drop off our keys as we will be heading out after brunch. We will come back to the hotel later. We've dropped off the keys at reception and are walking out of the lobby, when I see something, and grab Zaid's arm.

He looks at me in surprise.

'Zaid, turn around and don't look back. Just do as I'm saying. You'll thank me later.' I mutter.

He frowns, confused, but does as he's told. What a coincidence is this! Those two girls who were trying to flirt with Zaid yesterday, are here. Right here.

Right here. They saw us, and have just rushed over to us, with huge smiles on their faces. Damn it.

'Hey, handsome!' The taller girl, who I have to admit is quite pretty, trails a finger down Zaid's back. He tenses.

"Oh, hi girls." He moves back slightly, making the girl frown.

'What a coincidence is this?! You two are staying at this hotel, too?! I knew we were meant to be, baby!' The other girl says, batting her eyelashes. I roll my eyes. They have no idea how stupid they look right now. Guys honestly like this kind of stuff?!

"Yes, we're staying at this hotel," Zaid says, giving them a small, polite smile.

'Oh, you were heading to the restaurant for brunch? Sit with us, you're more than welcome!' The first girl says, grinning.

"No, it's-" I start, but Zaid talks over me.

'Sure. That would be great.' He glances at me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. What's he doing now?! Is he crazy?!

I hesitantly follow him and the girls into the restaurant. The girls both look ecstatic. Zaid looks amused for some reason, and mischievous.

We sit at a small table of four, near the back of the restaurant. I sit next to Zaid, and the girls are opposite us. The girl who is sitting directly opposite Zaid looks like she's about to start hyperventilating.

'This is amazing! I can't believe it! We got to meet you again!' The other girl says, smiling at Zaid. I feel my temper start to rise. How do they think they can flirt with Zaid?! And why isn't he doing anything about it?

Zaid nods, smiling. He glances at me, smirking. Damn him.

'Is your wife okay?' I hear one of the girls ask. I don't know how I stop myself from rolling my eyes at them. Yes, I'm okay. And I'm not his wife.

Zaid nods. "She's fine. She wasn't feeling too well this morning, though." My head whips up to shoot Zaid a dirty look. He smiles at me innocently.

'Oh, morning sickness! My cousin had morning sickness too when she was pregnant. It was really bad!' The taller girl (Girl Number 1) says, giving me a small smile.

I nod. "Yeah, it's really bad at times."

'Aww, that's sad! So, handsome! You won't take us up on our offer from yesterday?' Girl Number 2 asks, pouting.

"As I told you girls yesterday, I'm perfectly happy with my lovely wife. So, no. I decline the offer. I'm sorry." 'Wife'. He's calling me 'wife' again. It gives me a giddy feeling.

'Are you girls seriously trying to flirt with my husband in front of me?' I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Sorry, babe. He's hot," Girl Number 1 says.

I roll my eyes. 'And he's my husband.' I hear Zaid smirk, but ignore him. He's having fun, I know he is.

"I have eyes only for my wife," Zaid says, smiling.

'Awww!' Both girls say in unison. They're so annoying.

"Aww, my dear hubby! How cute are you?!" I say, playing along. I look up at him and grin. He looks amused.

'Not as cute as you, wifey!' 'Wifey.' This guy is making me crazy. I'm already crazy about him, but he's making it even worse for me.

We order brunch, and it arrives a few minutes later. We start to eat. The pancakes I've ordered are delicious, topped with Nutella and strawberries. They're hands down the best pancakes I've ever tasted.

'So, do you want my number?' Girl Number 2 asks Zaid, winking. Seriously?!

Zaid places his hand on top of my free one. "No, I don't. I'm sorry. I have a wife, who I am perfectly happy with, as you can both see."

'Exactly. My husband cannot take your number. I'm sorry,' I say, glancing at Zaid with an annoyed look.

Zaid's eyes sparkle with amusement. Most likely because I called him 'husband'.

'I think our baby likes the pancakes too,' Zaid says, grinning. I burst out into a coughing fit. Zaid pats my back and pours some orange juice into a glass for me to drink. When I'm composed, I glare at him.

"Aww! Do you think it's a boy or a girl?" Girl Number 1 asks. I groan internally.

'I think it's a girl. Zara thinks it's a boy,' Zaid tells them. He's definitely having fun with this. I'll see him later.

I nod. "Yeah."

'Maybe it's twins! Maybe you're having twins, a boy and a girl!' The same girl answers, laughing. Zaid glances at me, fighting back a laugh. I'm doing the same.

The other girl nods. 'Yeah! So, how much do you two love each other?!'

I again start coughing crazily. My cheeks heat up. This question feels more real than the rest.

"What do you mean, how much do we love each other? We're married," Zaid says, smiling at me gently.

'I have to admit, you're both really cute. You don't need to answer the question, because we can both see by just looking at you two that you love each other immensely. Even a blind person would be able to see how much love you two have for each other!' Girl Number 1 says, smiling.

I blush hard. I know that me and Zaid have been pretending, to be married, but...why does this seem real? Not the marriage part, but you know what I mean. I glance over at Zaid, who is sitting with a small smile on his lips. He doesn't say anything, but he looks at me with an unreadable expression in his eyes. Like he's trying to tell me something.

'Yes. We're both very sorry, for everything. You two are the cutest couple, and we honestly hope that you always stay happy together. All the best for the future! Oh, and you're gonna have the most beautiful baby in the world, as you make such a beautiful couple, both of you!' Girl Number 2 says, agreeing.

Me and Zaid both give them a small smile. "Thank you." I don't know what else to say, so I just thank them.

Zaid also thanks them, and then makes an excuse saying that we have a doctor's appointment to go to.

'Okay, hopefully we will see you again later! I hope the appointment goes well!' Girl Number 2 says.

We say goodbye to them quickly, and head out of the restaurant. I breathe a sigh of relief once we're out of there. Zaid looks at me and bursts out laughing.

When he finally composes himself, he asks "What do you want to do today, wifey? We have a long time until the meeting at 5pm."

I glare at him when he calls me 'wifey'. Ugh, why am I pretending that I don't like it when he calls me this?! And why do I like it so much?

I shrug. 'Wherever you want, hubby.' Seriously?! Did I just call him 'hubby'?! I'm going mad.

He grins. "Hubby?"

'I..I didn't mean to call you that. It just slipped out of my mouth. You know what I'm like,' I mutter.

His grin turns even wider, showing off his perfect, pearly white teeth. "I don't mind you calling me that."

I glare at him. 'Let's go somewhere.'

He laughs. "Okay, let's go to the Piccadilly Circus. Have you visited before?"

I nod. 'A long time ago, I was really young then though, so I don't remember anything. Let's go. I want to go there again.'

"Okay, wifey. Your wish is my command."

********

Hey guys! How are you all? I hope you're doing well?! So, what did you think of this chapter? They're still in London, as you can see. And they met those two girls again! Do you like them? 😉

They're jokingly calling each other 'wifey' and 'hubby'. 😉😉

What do you think of this side of Zaid? The caring, funny side? I love it, I love him haha!

What do you guys think will happen next in this book? Where's Hamza, and what is he up to?

Soon, there will be the entry of a new character. Just to let you guys know. My lips are zipped about the new character, and whether they will be good or bad. Only time will tell!

I love you guys so much, honestly so so much! I say this at the end of every chapter, but I really do love you all loads! Thank you so much for reading, don't forget to vote and comment if you liked this chapter! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to message me! Stay tuned for the next chapter, which will hopefully be out in a few days time! Bye guys, stay happy! ❤️ x