CHAPTER FIVE
1076 Words
*Zara’s POV – Hours Before the Engagement Party*
The air smelled like jasmine and setting powder.
I sat before the full-length mirror in my room, my reflection barely recognizable. A makeup artist dabbed a final sweep of shimmer onto my cheekbone while a hairstylist curled the last strand of my pinned-up hair.
The deep emerald gown clung to my like royalty it was stunning, dramatic, and perfectly chosen by Zayd’s mother.
I should’ve felt beautiful.
Instead, i felt... trapped in silk and expectation.
“Ma’am, you look breathtaking,” the stylist whispered.
I nodded, murmured thanks, and stared at my reflection. The gold necklace on my collarbone isn't mine. The ring on my finger is heavier than it should be.
My phone vibrated.
*Zayneb*: *You okay? I’m outside. I brought your flat shoes and extra pins.*
Zara smiled faintly. Trust Zayneb to be the one steady thing in my world right now.
She replied: *Come to my room. Please.*
Within minutes, Zayneb entered quietly, gently shutting the door behind her. Her eyes widened at the sight of Zara. “Girl… you look like a queen.”
: “I feel like a dressed-up prisoner,” I said, standing up carefully. “Every pin in my hair is a decision I didn’t make.”
Zayneb wrapped me in a careful hug. “You still have your voice. Don’t let the dress fool you.”
I blinked back emotion. “I made the choice, Zee. I said yes. I agreed to the six months. But now, it feels like the walls are closing in already.”
“You’ll make it through. And I’ll be right here,every step.”
I gave a small, grateful nod. “Help me breathe through this night. After that, I’ll figure it out.”
As we stepped out together, the hallway filled with murmurs from waiting guests.
I held my head high.
Tonight, i would smile, pose, and play the part.
But inside, i was bracing myself for a war no one could see.for a war only I could see
*Zara’s POV – Engagement Party*
The ballroom was glowing,gold chandeliers, cascading floral centerpieces, and a crowd buzzing with congratulations and curious stares. Cameras clicked every few seconds, capturing every fake smile I gave.
Zayd stood beside me, perfectly poised in a black tux, his hand lightly resting on my lower back as we made our rounds. His grip looked gentle, but i could feel the control behind it like a warning.
I smiled. I nodded. I pretended.
But my eyes kept drifting to the door, wishing for an interruption. An escape.
And then ,it happened.
A ripple moved through the crowd. Heads turned.
I followed their gaze.
Standing by the entrance, slightly breathless, was *Hadi*.
My childhood friend. My once-confidant. The one person who had quietly slipped out of my life when things got complicated and now, I feel guilty.
My breath hitched.
I thought he didn't know
We met days ago,but he said nothing about it .
He wore a navy suit, no tie, collar loose. Casual. Bold. His eyes scanned the crowd and landed on hers and in that moment, the noise faded.
He walked toward me slowly, deliberately.
“Zara,” he said, stopping a few feet away. “I didn’t think I’d be invited.”
Zayd turned to him, jaw slightly clenched. “You weren’t.”
I stepped forward, my voice soft but firm. “I didn’t know he’d come.”
“I saw the announcement online,” Hadi said, not taking his eyes off me. “I needed to see for myself.”
The tension tightened like a rope between the three of us.
I actually didn't understand why
“Hadi,” Zayd said coolly. “This is a private family affair. You’re making a scene.”
Hadi raised a brow. “And yet, Zara doesn’t look like someone celebrating.”
My heart raced.
Zayd’s smile thinned. “This isn’t the place for... whatever this is.”
Zayneb suddenly appeared beside me, eyes wide, whispering, “Want me to get him out?”
But i shook my head.
I looked at Hadi and said gently, “Thank you for coming. But this isn’t the time.”
Something unreadable passed across Hadi’s face....hurt, maybe. He gave a slow nod, then turned, vanishing as quickly as he appeared.
Zayd leaned in immediately. “We’ll talk about that later.”
I said nothing.
I turned back to the crowd, camera lights blinking like warnings.
*Hadi’s POV – After the Engagement Party*
I stood across the street from the grand venue, watching the last of the guests trickle out.
My fists clenched at his sides.
Zara.
She looked like a stranger in that emerald gown, surrounded by opulence, lights, and the cold arrogance of Zayd el-amin king . But her eyes, I saw it. Just for a moment. The flicker of fear, the weight of pressure, the silent scream buried beneath painted lips.
I hadn’t planned to show up.
In fact, i'd tried to forget the moment I saw the announcement online.
But how could I
Zara wasn’t just a friend. She was Zara,the girl who used to sneak out at midnight to stargaze with him. The one who used to sketch her dream café on old math notes. The one who once looked at the world like it was hers to take.
Now she stood beside a man who looked like he’d bought the moon just to put it in a cage.
And she was the moon.
i ran a hand through my hair and exhaled. “What are you doing, Zara?” i muttered.
i shouldn’t have confronted her there. Not in front of everyone. But seeing her like that draped in expectations.it broke something in me.
I remember her soft voice when she told me years ago, “I want to choose my own future.”
So why wasn’t she?
Something isn't adding up
I met her days ago but she didn't tell me anything
I can’t shake the image of Zayd standing so close to her, speaking so calmly, yet so possessively. That man had power in every inch of him,and i didn’t trust it for a second.
And then there was Zara’s reaction.
She was surprised, but she wasn’t angry.
She was... conflicted.
Still reachable.
Still Zara
I don’t know what i am going to do yet. But walking away? Letting her fade into someone else’s control?
No.
- Writer
