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The atmosphere in the mansion had changed.
Yusuf noticed it first—how Zainab no longer avoided him. She walked past him confidently, her perfume lingering just a little longer than it used to.
One night, after yet another tense charity gala, they returned home in silence.
As Yusuf poured himself a drink, Zainab appeared at the door of his private lounge, barefoot, in a satin robe. Her hair loose. Her voice calm.
"Do you always let your past lovers visit without warning?"
He turned, surprised by her presence… and how stunning she looked in the low light.
"Are you jealous, Zainab?"
She walked slowly into the room, eyes never leaving his.
"No. But I'm not invisible either."
Yusuf stepped closer. The tension between them was thick, electric.
"You're not invisible," he said softly.
"You're… impossible to ignore."
For a moment, neither spoke. Then she moved past him toward the window, looking out into the night.
"I didn't come here to fall in love," she said.
"But I also didn't come to be unloved."
Yusuf walked up behind her, so close she could feel his breath on her neck.
"What if I said I don't know how to love?" he whispered.
Zainab turned slowly to face him.
"Then learn."
Their eyes locked. The silence spoke louder than words. His hand gently brushed her cheek.
He leaned in slowly, giving her a chance to pull away.
She didn't.
Their lips met—slow at first, curious, then deeper. It wasn't just a kiss. It was weeks of tension breaking open.
When they finally pulled apart, Yusuf looked at her like he was seeing her for the first time.
"Good night," she whispered.
And she left him standing there—wanting more.