Chapter 3: The Stranger in the Shadows
Zara froze, her hand still hovering over the folder labeled Ibrahim Case - Private.
The man standing in the doorway wasn't Ameer.
He was taller, leaner, with sharp cheekbones and piercing grey eyes that studied her like a puzzle he was eager to solve. A smirk tugged at his lips, as if he'd caught her red-handed… and was amused by it.
"Looking for something, Mrs. Alhassan?" he asked smoothly, stepping into the study like he owned it.
"Who are you?" Zara asked, voice trembling but firm.
He walked to the desk and casually leaned against it. "Ameer's cousin. Rami Alhassan. But I prefer the term... family disappointment."
Zara stepped back cautiously. She wasn't sure if he was dangerous or just irritating.
"Don't worry," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm not here to report you. Actually, I find your curiosity refreshing."
"What do you want?"
He tilted his head. "I want to know why the beautiful new bride of my cousin is already breaking into his private study on the first night of marriage."
Zara clenched her fists. "You wouldn't understand."
"I understand more than you think." His smile faded slightly. "That folder you're holding? It's not the whole truth. Whatever Ameer told you about your father… he only gave you half the story."
Her heart skipped. "What do you mean?"
Before he could answer, footsteps echoed down the hallway.
"Put the folder back," Rami whispered quickly. "If he finds you in here—"
The door burst open. Ameer stood there, his eyes hard and unreadable. His gaze went from Zara to the folder in her hands, then to Rami.
Zara quickly dropped the file on the desk.
"I got lost," she lied, forcing her voice to stay calm. "The door was open."
Ameer's jaw tightened, but his voice remained quiet. "Rami, leave us."
Rami gave a mock salute and strolled out like nothing happened. "Play nice, cousin."
Once the door shut, the room turned ice cold.
Ameer stepped closer, towering over her. "Do you make it a habit to snoop on your husband?"
Zara met his gaze. "Only when my husband treats my family like criminals."
He reached out and took the folder, locking it in a drawer. "Don't test me, Zara. You have no idea what you're walking into."
"I'm not scared of you."
"Maybe you should be."
They stared at each other, heat and fury dancing between them like sparks on gasoline.
But then, Ameer did something unexpected.
He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "You want the truth? Then earn it. Play the perfect wife. Obey me. And maybe—just maybe—I'll give you answers."
Zara didn't move. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing fear.
Instead, she whispered, "Or maybe I'll find them myself."
Ameer smirked. "We'll see."
He turned and walked out, leaving her alone again.
But Zara knew one thing now: there were secrets inside this house.
And she was going to uncover every last one.