*The Twins 2*
*Chapter 3*
Mubarak hurried after Zainab, catching her hand, but she quickly tried to pull away. Seeing that they were still in a public space-despite it being night-he let go, aware that a few eyes were on them.
"Let's go and talk," he said, his voice low but firm.
She didn't respond but walked toward the car. He followed.
The drive to the hotel was steeped in silence, thick with tension. Mubarak stole glances at her every few seconds, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.
"Zainab, it was a misunderstanding. I swear, it wasn't what it seemed like-"
"Shut up, Mubarak," she snapped, cutting him off coldly.
He let out a sharp breath. "At least hear me out."
"I said shut up," she repeated, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Mubarak arched a brow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, so your husband should shut up?"
Mubarak clenched his jaw and obeyed, focusing on the road.
When they arrived at the hotel, Zainab stepped out first, not sparing him a glance. She walked ahead, her posture stiff with anger, acting as though he wasn't even there.
Mubarak followed silently, his eyes never leaving her.
Inside their suite, she went straight to her drawer, pulling out her nightwear with sharp, frustrated movements. Mubarak sat nearby, watching her. He hated this. Hated that he was the reason for her anger.
"Zainab," he called softly.
"Don't talk to me," she shot back.
His fingers tapped against his knee. "If I'm not allowed to talk, then why did you ask me to follow you?"
She ignored him, focusing instead on removing her earrings and necklace. But her hands trembled slightly as she fumbled with the clasp.
Mubarak sighed. He knew her too well. Beneath all that coldness, there was something else.
He stood and stepped forward, reaching for the stubborn clasp at her neck. His fingers brushed against her skin as he unfastened it. To his surprise, she didn't pull away.
"I can do it myself," she murmured.
"I know," he said, his voice softer now. "But I wanted to."
Instead of stepping back, he lingered, resting his forehead lightly against the back of her head.
Zainab tensed. "Mubarak..."
"You look different tonight," he murmured, thoughtful. "More beautiful."
"You always say that."
"Because it's always true." His hands settled at her waist. "But tonight, there's something else." He studied her face in the mirror, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "Tell me... what's the secret?"
Zainab hesitated. She knew exactly why-Aunty Hafsat had taken them for special skincare and pampering earlier. But there was no way she was telling him that.
Instead, she turned in his arms, looking up at him with narrowed eyes. "If you think sweet words will make me forget, you're wrong."
Mubarak's smirk faded slightly, replaced by something softer. "I'm not trying to make you forget." He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. "I just don't want you to fall asleep upset because of me."
Her breath hitched slightly. He was right. And even she wasn't sure why she was this upset. Was she really?
She wasn't angry because she didn't trust him-Mubarak wasn't a man who would betray her. But seeing him with those women, even in an innocent setting, had unsettled her. It had been a sharp, unexpected pang of jealousy. And it refused to leave her mind.
"Zainab, please," he whispered. "Say something."
"I'm not angry with you, Mubarak," she admitted finally, her voice softer now. "It was just... upsetting. Seeing you with those-" She stopped herself before finishing the sentence.
Mubarak sighed, his grip on her waist tightening slightly. "You're the only one who matters to me, Zainab. The only one I care about. The only one I want to spend my life with."
His words settled over her, calming her in a way she hadn't expected. She reached up and placed her fingers over his lips.
"It's okay," she murmured, her eyes searching his. "I trust you."
"Thanks alot My dear Zainab"
____
Back at the Hotel Room
Zara emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a soft, sky-blue nightgown that barely grazed her knees. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, still slightly damp from her shower. She had chosen this look deliberately-she knew Lukman preferred it this way.
He was seated on the bed, phone in hand, scrolling intently. But the moment he caught sight of her, his fingers hesitated, just for a second. Then, as if catching himself, he quickly resumed, feigning indifference.
Over the past two months, their bond had only deepened. It was as if they could never get enough of each other. And yet, tonight, something felt different.
Zara smirked to herself. Let's see how long he can keep up this act.
Earlier, when they left the event center, she had wanted to tell him the ceremony wasn't over-that Hafsat still needed her. But the look in his eyes had silenced her. It wasn't just frustration; it was something deeper.
Wordlessly, she had followed him back to their hotel room. He hadn't spoken a word since, ignoring her attempts at conversation.
Now, she approached him, settling beside him on the bed.
"Lukman, look at my henna," she said playfully, extending her hands toward him.
Silence.
She waited, expecting his remark. But Nothing.
"My best friend Safina is finally married," she tried again, keeping her tone light. "I just hope it will be a happy one."
Still, he remained quiet.
Zara frowned, determination settling in. "Lukman, please talk to me. Don't be angry with me. And besides, what are you doing on your phone while I am talking to you?"
Without hesitation, she snatched his phone from his hands and stood up.
"Zara, give me my phone. Don't be childish. Where are your manners? You know I hate this," he said, his voice firm as he reached for it.
"No chance. I already tried talking to you kindly, but you're not listening," she told him as she climbed to the middle of the bed, with her bare legs.
"Get down, Zara, and give me my phone." Lukman tried hard not to climb the bed as well, and it was too late.
She glanced at the screen before he could snatch it back. It was a picture of her-one she didn't even know he had taken. It was from their outing at the park a month ago. She sat there cross leg, staring at it.
He looked away embarrassed, She had already caught him off guard.
So, he was looking at my picture all this time?
He had taken it without telling me. The realization made her heart flutter.
But still, if he could stare at my picture, why couldn't he look at me now?
Lukman sighed and took the phone from her hands before sitting down. He finally spoke. "Zara, where was that determination earlier? You can stand up against me, but what about them? The ones stopping you from seeing me?"
She lowered her gaze. He knew.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
His voice softened. "Sorry for what? This isn't even about me-it's about you. Did you even get the chance to rest today?"
He pulled her closer, his arms settling around her waist, his eyes scanning her face with concern.
"You don't have to worry," she murmured, resting her hands on his chest. "Anty Hafsat and Safina did so much for me during my wedding. Safina stood by me when no one else did. The least I can do is go the extra mile for her on her big day. Besides, you know this isn't like me-I would never be careless when it comes to you."
"Fine" Lukman said and exhaled, understanding her reasoning. He didn't want to argue. He knew she was a responsible wife. He was blessed to have her. He just regretted not realizing it sooner. But at least he hadn't lost her.
She blushed slightly and asked, "Does this mean you've forgiven me?"
His fingers intertwined with hers. "You know I can't stay angry at you for too long."
Zara smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest as Lukman's gaze finally swept over her from head to toe, causing her to lower her head shyly.
Lukman had always admired her beauty, but tonight... tonight, she was mesmerizing. The soft glow of the light seemed to dance on her skin, and her damp hair gently framed her delicate features, enhancing her elegance.
He quickly averted his gaze, struggling to resist her effect on him.
"But seriously, Zara..." he cleared his throat. "Have you even eaten today?"
She blinked, then slowly admitted, "Yes, but not much." She had been busy, and if not for Zainab sneaking her small bites throughout the day, she would have had nothing.
Lukman exhaled, standing up. Without a word, he walked toward the table where room service had delivered their meal earlier.
He carefully plated the food before carrying it back to her. Settling beside her again, he picked up a spoonful and held it to her lips.
Zara smiled, taking the spoon from his hands in return. "What about you?" she asked, mirroring his gesture.
Lukman smiled softly, his gaze lingering on her as he gently took the spoon from her hand. "I'll eat later. Tonight's about you."
Zara paused for a moment, then took another bite, her heart warming at the care he showed. The entire day had been spent on everyone else, especially with the focus on Safina's wedding. She hadn't realized how much she had missed quiet moments like this with Lukman-his undivided attention.
"You're selfless," she murmured, her voice soft and full of admiration.
Lukman's hand gently cupped her cheek, guiding her face toward his. "Why wouldn't I be? I'm very lucky, Zara. You make me want to be better every day."
Her breath caught as she looked into his eyes, the depth of his sincerity reflected in them. She had been so swept up in the events of the day, but in this moment, everything else seemed to fall away. There was no more doubt, no more noise.
"I love you, Lukman," she whispered, her voice full of emotion.
He smiled, giving her another bite of food, his voice steady and warm. "I love you more, Zara. Always."